



«*”>• • 


























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Staten Island Names 


Y e Olde N ames and Nicknames. 


By William T. Davis, 

With Map by Charles W. L,eng. 


PUBLISHED BY THE 


NATURAL SCIENCE ASSOCIATION, 

New Brighton, Staten Island, N. Y. 


PRICE FIFTY CENTS. 


THE STANDARD PRESS 
New Brighton, N. Y. 
1896. 























CONTENTS 


Introduction, 


PART I. 


Names for Staten Island and Surrounding Waters, . 

Points and Coves,. 

Kills, Creeks and Brooks,. 

Necks, .' . . . 

Islands and Meadow-Islands,. 

Reefs, Rocks, Shoals, &c.,. 

Hills,. 

Valleys and Hollows,. 

Sfrings, Ponds and Swamps,. 

Meadows, Fields and Plains, ... 

PART II. 

% » 

Ferries and Landings,. 

Roads and Lanes,. 

Localities, Settlements and Villages,. 

By transfer 

OCT 22 1915 


PAGE 

20 


26 

26 

29 


35 


36 

37 
40 

45 

46 

52 


54 

57 

63 


















F* 


ROCEEDIN QS 

OF THE 



NATURAL SCIENCE ASSOCIATION 

OF STATEN ISLAND. 


Vol. V. No. 5. (Special No. 21) March 14th, 1896. 


STATEN ISLAND NAMES 

YE OLI 3 E NA M E S AND NICKNA M E S. 

BY WILLIAM T. DAVIS, 

With Map by Charles W. Leng. 


INTRODUCTION. 

As the population of Staten Island increases the names of its natural features give 
place more and more to artificial ones; the hills are dug away and avenues laid out 
across the swamps. Thus Tushy’s Pond and Prospect Hill are now only names. It 
becomes expedient, therefore, to preserve the old, so that even the ever changing maps, 
bat. also fall within the laws of evolution, cannot make us forget Duxbury’s Point or 
ic Watering Place. 

The object of the present paper is to record these local Staten Island names—the 
* den names that were once well known, and the nicknames that have from time 
.v. been bestowed on certain streets, hills and hollows. The record is not suppos¬ 
ed to be complete, for from the days of the Dutch colonists through the times of the 
British governors and the present rule of the States,- about two hundred and fifty years 
in all, people have been giving names to various parts of the Island. A few of 
these, from their peculiar fitness, have survived, but many more have been forgotten; 
or, worst of all, abandoned for less appropriate ones. Certainly poor taste has been 
shown in changing Watcliogue into Bloomfield; the Old Place Road into Washington 
Avenue; and in the still later attempt to make a part of the Clove Road support the 
less distinctive name of Brooks’ Avenue. The old roads are interesting in many ways, 
and at least an effort should be made to preserve their original names. They can 
often be identified without the aid of the first maps of the Island, or the Dutch 
stone houses that were built along them, for they are worn down until they are 
lower than the fields, or the bases of the stone walls built along their sides. A good 
illustration of this is the present Willow Brook Road, from the Turnpike to Richmond 
Avenue; and the old Clove Road, before it was repaired last year, was a fine example. 
Owing to its great extent of salt meadow Staten Island has many roads that, from their 
ephemeral character, are termed “drift roads.” They are such as are constructed by 
use, from the meadows to the main highways, and change from time to time as utility 
suggests. 

The meadows are often regarded in the sense of water—a sea of grass—by those 
who live near them, and if there is a rise of land in the midst of this grass it rs called 
an island. As examples of this kind we have Price’s Island, Lake’s Island and Poppy 
Joe’s Island. 


Copyright, 1895, by Natural Science Association of Staten Island. 










21 


On the best maps of Staten Island only three or four of the creeks aie named, and 
these often erroneously. In this particular it is hoped that the present pap^i and ac 
companying map will be of use to future topographers. Many of the small creeks 
have no names, but are called “little guts” by fishermen and otiier frequenters of the 

meadow lands and shore. . . 

In the following pages the “ Land Papers ” are often mentioned. 1 he book quot¬ 
ed from is the “Calendar of N. Y. Colonial Manuscripts, indorsed Land Papers; m 
the Office of the Secretary of State of New York, 1643-1803.” It will be seen from a 
perusal of this volume that the land on Karle's Neck and on Long Neck was in gieat 
demand in 1675 and later, and 011 one of the oldest maps, published in i7>Si, the words 
“well settled ” are placed across that portion of the Island. Some names ha\e also 
been collected from the following maps: 

“ Map of New Netherlands, with a view of New Amsterdam (now New \ork), A. 
D. 1656,” by A. Vander Donck. Reprinted in Valentine’s Manual, 1852. 

“ A Draft of New York from the Hook to New York Town, by Mark liddeman. 
Printed for W. Mount and T. Page, upon Tower Hill, London.” The original is not 
dated, but was probably published early in the eighteenth cenutry. A reprint is given 
in Valentine’s Manual for 1855. 

“ Bay and Port of New York, Capitol of New York,” executed by S. Beilin in 1764 
and reprinted in Valentine’s Manual for 1861. 

“ Plan of New York Island, with a part of Long Island, Staten Island, and East 
New Jersey; with a particular description of the engagement on the Woody Heights of 
Long Island between Flatbusli and Brooklyn, August 27, 1776, between Gen. Howe 
and Gen. Putnam. Engraved and published Oct. 19, 1776, by W. Faden, London. 

“ Long Island. The seat of action between the British and American forces, or 
an authentic plan of the western part of Long Island, with the engagement of the 27th 
of August, 1776; containing also Staten Island and the environs of Amboy and New 
York, with the course of Hudson’s river from Courtland, the great magazine of the 
American army, to Sandy Hook. From the surveys of Major Holland. Sayer and 
Bennett. London, 1776.” 

“ A sketch of the operations of His Majesty’s fleet and army under the command 
of vice admiral the Rt. H’ble Lord Viscount Howe and Genl. Sr. Wm. Howe, K. B., 
in 1776. Published according to act of Parliament, Jan’y 17th, 1777, by J. F. W. 
DesBarres, Esq.” Reprinted in Valentine’s Manual, 1864. 

“ A Chorographical Map of the Province of New York in North America * * * 

by Claude Joseph Sauthier. London, W. Faden, 1779.” Reprinted among the maps 
of the N. Y. Documentary History, Albany, 1849. 

“Chart and Plan of the Harbor of New York and the country adjacent, from Sandy 
Hook to King’s Bridge; comprehending the whole of New York and Staten Islands, 
and part of Long Island and the Jersey shore, and showing the defences of New York 
both by land and sea. London. J. Bew, 1781.” This map appeared in the “Political 
Magazine,” November, 1781, and was reprinted in the “ Manual of the Common Coun¬ 
cil of New York” for 1870. 

An account ot the environs of New York, bearing the same title as the “Chart and 
Plan,” reads in part as follows: “ Staten Island is in general rough and hilly, but 011 
the south side there is a considerable tract of good level land. On the heights on the 
side towards New York we have redoubts usually garrisoned with 1,000 or r,5oo men. 
The Rebel parties frequently steal across the narrow sound which separates it from the 
Jersey shore, and carry off a straggler or two or plunder the inhabitants. Brigadier 
General Skinner, a refugee from the Jersies, at present commands there. The Rebel 
General Sullivan made an attack on it in form in 1777, but was repulsed with con¬ 
siderable loss by General Campbell, who was lately taken in Pensacola by the 
Spaniards.” 


“A New and Correct Mappof the County of Richmond, made in the Year 1797, 
Agreeable to an Act passed by the Legislature of the State of New York, passed the 28th 
day of March, 1797, by” (no name given). ‘‘We the subscribers Supervisors for the 
County of Richmond have Caused this Mapp, Containing the Outline of the County of 
Richmond, to be Made According as the Law in such cases has decided. 

John Tysen, ) 

Daniel Lake, | ,, 

Abm. Burbank, j P • 

Benj. Larzeeere, J 

Bernard Sprong and Richard Conner were no doubt the authors of the above map 
as appears from the following, copied from the ‘‘Annals of Staten Island”: ”1797, Dec. 
14: Bernard Sprong for making a map of the towns of Southfield and Westfield and 
surveying Smoking Point Road. £ 6. 6. o. 

“ Richard Conner for making a map of Castleton and Nortlifield and service of 
Clerk of Supervisors. £7. 2. o. ” 

Mr. Crowell Connor, of Richmond village, has shown me the surveyor’s instru¬ 
ments used by Richard Conner, and probably the same employed in making the map 
of 1797. 

‘ ‘ Map of the country thirty miles round the City of New York, designed and 
drawn by I. H. Eddy of N. York, 1812. Published by Prior and Dunning, map and 
chart sellers, No. 111 Water St.” 

“ Map of Long Island with the environs of New York and the southern part of 
Connecticut, compiled from various surveys and documents by J. Calvin Smith.” 
Published by J. H. Colton & Co., New York, 1836. 

“ Staten Island. Map of New Brighton, Tompkinsville, Stapleton and Clifton; 
showing the surrounding neighborhood. Surveyed and drawn by C. H. Blood, 1845.” 

“ Map of the country thirty-three miles around the City of New York. Drawn by 
G. W. Colton. Published by J. H. Colton, 86 Cedar St., New York, 1846.” 

‘‘ Sidney’s map of twelve miles around New York, with names of property holders, 
See., from entirely new and original surveys; 1849.” 

“ Map of Staten Island or Richmond County, surveyed by J. C. Sidney, published 
by M. Dripps, 1850. For sale at Tanner’s, 201 Broadway, N. Y.” 

“ Map of the State of New York, by David H. Burr. Published by J. H. Colton, 
86 Cedar St., New York, 1852.” Staten Island is shown on a small scale on this map; 
New Bristol and Cityville are given as localities. 

“ Map of Staten Island, Richmond County, New York. From Surveys under the 
direction of H. F. Walling, 1859. Published by D. A. P A ox, Nos. 356, 358 & 360 Pearl 
Street (Franklin Square), New York.” 

“ Higginson’s Map of New York and Vicinity, embracing the counties of Kings 
and Richmond, N. Y.,” &c. Published by J. H. Higginson, 77 Chambers St., N. Y., 
1859. In i860 Higginson reproduced his map of Staten Island for the Grover & Baker 
Sewing Machine Co. 

“ Map of Staten Island (Richmond Co.), N. Y., also Cities of Bayonne and Perth 
Amboy, N. J., showing Topography, Farms, Shore soundings, Sec. Published by M. 
Dripps, 34 Vesey St., N. Y., 1872.” 

“ Atlas of Staten Island, Richmond County, New York, from official records and 
surveys, compiled and drawn by F. W. Beers. Published by J. B. Beers & Co., 36 
Vesey Street, New York, 1S74. ” 

No names introduced later than 1874, with the exception of a few nicknames and 
road names have been included in the present paper. Neither has it been thought ad¬ 
visable to mention the locality names now in common use. .In 1857 the general gov¬ 
ernment having completed a survey of the Island (see Staaten Islander , May 9U1, 1857), 
published a map giving topographical features, fence lines, Sec. This map can no 


23 

lotfrger be' obtained, but the presefit chart of the “Bay and Harboi of New \ ork, 
published by the U. S-. Coast and Geodetic Survey, presents on a reduced scale many 
of the features of the older map. A recent “Topographical Map of Staten Island, 
Richmond County, State of New York,” by Vermeule and Bien, 1890, is excellent in 
these particulars, and is in many respects the best map of the Island, there are sev¬ 
eral maps of interest filed in the Clerk's office at Richmond, among them the one 
showing the boundary lines of the so called estate of Lancaster Symes and 1 eter Roose¬ 
velt, about which there has been so much controversy. This map was proved in court 
to be unreliable. Of real value and interest is the “Map of the Richmond I lank 
Road, from Vanderbilt’s Landing to Rossville, 10.297 miles. J. B. Bacon, Surveyor, 
Staten Island, 1853.” Filed 30th June, 1853, No. 114. This map names all of the 
property owners along the Plank Road in 1853, and also names the cross roads. 

The “Annals of Staten Island, from its Discovery to the Present Time, by J. J. 
Clute, New York, Press of Chas. Vogt, No. 114 Fulton Street, 1877,” and the “His¬ 
tory of Richmond County (Staten Island), New 7 York, from its Discovery to the Pres¬ 
ent time. Edited by Richard M. Bayles, New York, L. E. Preston & Co., 1887,’ have 
been drawn upon for many facts. The following publications also contain a few 
names: “ Abstract of the Title of Thomas E. Davis to Certain Lands in Castleton, in 
the County of Richmond, Comprising the Principal Part of the Real Estate lately be¬ 
longing to the New Brighton Association. New 7 York: Printed by William Osborn, 
88 William Street, 1844.” “Hand-Book and Business Directory of Staten Island, 

1870. ” “ Report of a Preliminary Scheme of Improvement, Presented January 12th, 

1871, ” by the Staten Island Improvement Commission. “ Proceedings of the Natural 
Science Association of Staten Island.” Historical papers by Mr. Ira K. Morris, many 
of which are contained in the last mentioned proceedings. Manuals of the Common 
Council of New York, prepared for many years under the direction of D. T. Valentine, 
who also contributed numerous historical articles. 

Numerous persons have mentioned to me such names as they remembered,* and 
in rambling about the Island I have knocked at the doors of many strangers who 
have treated me w r ith uniform kindness. In this way the record of the present-day 
names of the natural features of the Island, such as points, hills, valleys, &c., included 
in Part I., has probably been made fairly complete. The mere artificial names in Part 
II. did not appear as topographical features, and in consequence were more easily over¬ 
looked. No doubt there are more of these, and also old names, that might have been 
added by some one in the habit of searching the records of the county. 

It will be seen that occasionally the proper names are not spelled the same in dif¬ 
ferent parts of the present article, which is due to the fact that they are variously given 
by the original authorities. A conspicuous example of this kind is what is now known 
as Shooter’s Island, which has had a long ancestry of variously spelled names, all 
having a similar sound. 

The paragraph on the Hesssian Spring contains a few 7 statements worthy of more 
than passing notice. It will be .seen that in 1834, when the valley through which 
Jersey Street now runs was pasture land, with many of the hill sides covered with 



* I am indebted to Lot C. Alston, D. M. Ayres, Robert Barnes, W. S. Benham, F, H. Bergen. E. 
Braisted, E. C. Bridgman. Dr. N. L. Britton, W. H. Bostwick, Richard Cole, H W. Congdon. John J. 
Corson, Thomas Craig, Matthias DeHart, Edward C. Delavati, Jr., J. C. Disosway, Mr. and Mrs. Aus¬ 
tin Dupuy, Crowell Dupuy, Theo. R. Eadie Joseph Esterbrook, Jr., William R. Eddy, Cornelius S. 
Egbert, L. W. Freeman, Louis P. Gratacap, John H. Garretson, William P. Hagedorn. Arthur Hollick, 
John J. Kenney. Rev. James E. Kenuy, of Old Place, for anecdotes as well as names; Walter C. Kerr, 
Mrs. Anna Keteltas, C. W. Kuepper, for map of 1812; J. A. LaForge, S J. Laforge, Charles W. Leng, 
Thomas Merrill. Joseph W. Mersereau, H. T. Metcalf) Janies A. Morgan, Ira K. Morris, for old news¬ 
papers. &c ; D. R. Norvell, James L. Page, William S. Page, George H. Pepper, for much information 
relating to the western end of the Island; H. W. Putnam, George M. Root, for old papers and maps; 
Miss J. B. Seaman, Henry H. Seguiue, William Seguiue, Sanderson Smith, for maps and literature; 
John W. Storer, Gustave Swainson, Miss F. J. Thompson, Dr. C. W. Townsend, Percival G. Ullman 
and Jouii Waters. 





u 


timber, this spring gave such an abundance of water that it was considered feasible te¬ 
nse it as a source of supply for the village of Tompkinsville. The spring is now dry. 
Clove Valley to-day is in the same condition that the Hessian Spring valley was in 
1834, and much might be done toward preserving a great portion of it as a water shed, 
which could also be made into a beautiful park. It would cost no more, if as much, 
to do this now, to preserve the land and the timber, than it will by and by to bring the 
water from a greater distance—perhaps from New Jersey. 

Lastly, I wish to thank Mr. Charles W. Leng, who has.kindly made a map of the 
Island on which, at least, most of the names will be found. The places omitted could 
not, as a rule, be accurately located. It is not claimed that this map is correct in every 
particular, for it was mainly drawn with the idea of showing the location of old 
places and natural features; the roads, with the exception of the old ones, being con¬ 
sidered of minor importance. The roads on the map of 1797 are indicated on the pres¬ 
ent map, but it is likely that the old map did not show all of the roads in use at the 
time it was made. Thus the Old Town Road is not given and but a small section of a 
road along the north shore and none along the east shore. Only a copy of this old 
map has been available, and this may contain some errors, though made by a careful 
hand. The original is on file in Albany. 


























































































































































PART I. 

NAMES FOR STATEN ISLAND AND SURROUNDING WATERS. 

Mo=ta=nucke, Mo=nock=nong, Aque=hon=ga, Egh=qua=ous. “Early names of 
Staten Island, the last two meaning, High Sandy Banks.” Indian names in New 
York, by W. M. Beauchamp. “Schoolcraft interprets ‘Aquehonga Manacknong,’ as 
far as the place of bad woods. The meaning of ‘Eghquahous’ is also interpreted the 
place of bad woods.” Bayles, p. i. Clute, p. 8. ‘Sujnen’is given as a name for 
Staten Island in Valentine’s Manual, 1852, p. qor. 

Staaten Eylant. The name given to the Island by Henry Hudson. Clute p. 8. 

Groote River, Manhattens River, flontaigne Rivier, Noort River, Haurits 
or flauritse River. Early names for the North or Hudson River. Bayles, p. 46; 
Old map copied in D. T. Valentine's Manual, 1852. The early navigators considered 
the mouth of the river to be at the Narrows. The town of Castleton when laid out, 
was bounded “easterly by Hudson’s River.” Bayles, p. 326. 

Sand Bay. Near the Fort at the Narrows. “Warrant to the attorney general to 
prepare letters patent for John Belue and John Dove of Staten Island, to keep a ferry 
at a place called the Sand Bay to run from thence to New York, Long Island and 
other adjacent places.” Land Papers, 1713. (See Dove and Belue’s Ferry.) 

Coeuraet’s Bay, Port Hay or Godyn’s Bay. What is now known as the 
Lower Bay. Bayles, p. 47. 

Prince’s Bay. On Faden’s map, 1779. O11 map, 1797, and later maps. The 

name is given “Princess Bay” on chart, U. S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, and on the 
map in Bayles’ History, which was copied therefrom. 

Raritan Bay. At the mouth of Raritan River. Chart, U. S. Coast and Geodetic 
Survey. Map in Bayles’ History. 

Achter Cull. Corrupted into Arthur Kill. Same as Staten Island Sound. 
Clute, pp. 16, 234. Bayles. p. 3. A report of the speech of Pennekek, Sachem in 
Achter Col (Elizabethtown) is given in Valentine’s Manual for 1863. This Pennekek 
seems to have been a most important Indian and often figures in the treaties made 
from 1649 1655. 

Het Kill van het Cull. Old Dutch name for the Kill van Kull, meaning the 
stream of the bay. Bayles, p. 3. “River Kill Van Kull” is shown on map New 
Brighton Association, Surveyed 1835, filed 1836, No. 12. Also called “River Kill 
Van Kull” in the Staaten Islander, February 22, 1854. 

POINTS AND COVES. 

Buxbury’s Point. Where the present ferry house is located at St. George. 
Faden, 1776 and 1779. Bew, 1781. Bayles, p. 395. Clute, p.461. Abstract of Title, 
Thos. E. Davis, 1834, pp. 11, 44. Faden and Bew call it “Ducksbury Point.” 

Brighton Point. Same as Duxbury’s Point. 

Vanderventer’s Point. Located at or just outside of the Narrows. Faden, 
1776 and 1779. Clute, p. 229. 

Eagle’s Nest Point. In an indenture dated February 3rd, 1756, “Between Jacob 
Bergen of Old Town, Husbandman, Johannes Van Wagenen, Wheel-wright, Cornelius 
Kroesen and Daniel Corson Esq all of Staten Island in this County of Richmond and 
in the Colony of New York, Surviving Executors of the last Will and Testament of 


27 


Jacob Bergen late of v Staten Island aforesaid in the sd County of Richmond, Gentle¬ 
man Deceased, of the one Part and Capt. John Keteltas of the City of New York 
Merchant, of the other Part,” occurs the following: “And also a little Lot of Salt 
Meadow at Eagle’s Nest Point on the West Side of Peter Nowee’s Land, to the said 
Lott of Land belonging or appertaining, which said Premisses was formerly conveyed 
by the said Mary Brittaine unto her son Nathaniel Brittaine, as by an Instrument m 
Writing under the hand and Seal of the said Mary Brittaine unto him the sd Nathaniel 
Brittaine, Dated the 23 Day of Feby Anno Doni. 1685-6, Reference being thereunto 
had may more fully and at large appear.” The land belonging to Peter Nowee’s or 
Peter New, as he was often called, was just west of the southerly reach of the Old 
Town Road after leaving the present Richmond Ave. This would fix the location of 
Eagle's Nest Point 011 the edge of the meadows below Linden Park and near Old Town 
or Pole Creek. The eagle’s nest was no doubt built by a fish hawk or sea eagle. 

Great Kail Point. At Giffords. Once called Brown’s Point and now often spoken 
of as Crooke’s Point. Jos. Brown is given as a resident by Dripps, 1850. On map, 
1797, it is mentioned as a “Beach of Sand." 

Fountain’s Point. In Great Kill. Immediately west of the mouth of Lock- 
man's Creek. (See Lockman’s Creek.) 

Long Point. In Great Kill. West of Fountain’s Point and immediately west 
of the mouth of Duck Creek. (See Duck Creek.) 

Canavcllo’s Point. I11 Great Kill. West of Long Point. Named after C. A. 
Canavello. 

Alonee’s Point. On Smith’s map of 1836 this name is placed opposite the shore 
lying between Arbutus Lake and Seguine’s Pond. O11 the very small map of the 
Island, published by Eddy, 1812, the name is also given. It is probably a corruption 
of the family name of Manee. 

Seguine’s Point. The first point to the east of Prince’s Bay. 

Ward’s Point. Near Tottenville. Still called by this name. O11 the map of 
1797 the position of Caleb Ward’s house is shown. 

Butler’s Point. An occasional name for Ward’s Point. 

Billopp’s Point. At the western end of the Island. Faden, 1779. Proceedings, 
Natural Science Association, Vol. Ill, p. 54. Clute, pp. 100, 103, Bayles, p. 3. 

Ellis’ Point. First point northwest of Kreisclierville. 

Storer’s or Hughes’ Point. A short distance to the north of Ellis’ Point. The 
line fence between the Storer and Hughes farms extends to this point. Sometimes 
called Story’s Point. 

Smoking Point. The first point southwest of Rossville. Land Papers, April 
5th, 1684. So called on recent maps. “Smoaky Point” of Bew, 1781. “ * * * 

a place called Smokers point” is mentioned in Land Papers, 1702. “Daniel Perrine 
of Smoking Point” is mentioned in a mortgage recorded at Richmond, Liber B p. 92. 

Cedar Point. Often mentioned in the Land Papers, of which the following is a 
sample: “80 acres of land lying upon the northwest side of Staten Island, with 3 
acres of meadow fronting, and 7 acres of meadow at ye west end of ye Island of 
meadow, against Seadar Poynte, laid out for Elias Puddington.” 1676. The “Island 
of Meadow” lies at the mouth of Fresh Kills. 

Never Fail Point. The extreme point of Karle’s Neck where Main and Rich¬ 
mond Creeks meet. It is called Never Fail Point because the oysters planted in its 
vicinity are always good. 

Cedar Bush Point. On the north side of Richmond Creek and not far from 
Never Fail Point. 


28 


First, Second and Third Points, or Uncle Ike’s Points. On the north side 
of Richmond Creek and southeast of Cedar Bush Point. 

Turtle Point. Not far from the site of the old Fresh Kills bridge. 

Point No Point. On Long Neck near Island Creek and nearly opposite the 
mouth of Peter’s Creek. When viewed from a distance there appears to be a con¬ 
siderable point at this part of Main Creek, but upon a nearer approach the point is not 
apparent. This is due to the gradual bend of the shore, which leads the boatman in a 
wide curve about what is in consequence named Point No Point. 

Du Puy’s Point. The southerly point at the mouth of Peter’s Creek. 

Long and Short Points. Parts of the irregularly shaped peninsula of meadow 
lying between Dock and Flowk Creeks on Karle’s Neck. Long Point is the farthest 
west. 

Robbin’s or Winant’s Point. At the mouth of Dock Creek and southeast of 
Freeman Winant’s Swamp. Capt. Nathaniel Robbins was a notorious individual who 
resided many years ago in New Springville and after whom Robbins’ Corner was 
named. He rendered considerable assistance to the British quartered on the Island 
during the Revolution. Clute, p. 114. 

Black Point. “116 acres, situated on the northwest side of Staten Island and 
known by the name of Black Poynt, laid out for John Tunisson, by Phillip Welles, 
surveyor.” Land Papers, 1680. Probably near Old Place. 

Steep Point. Projects into Staten Island Sound between Old Place Creek and 
Mark’s Creek. Some of this point has been dug away in order to make the Sound 
more navigable. 

Lambert’s, Collyer’s or Bowman’s Point. The point of Staten Island nearest 
to Elizabetliport, New Jersey. Called Lambert’s Point during the Revolution and 
later Collyer’s Point. Map of property at “Bowman’s Point” was made in 1869. In 
the Richmond Republican of October 9th, 1830, there is an advertisement of an auction 
sale of a piece of land, “Bounded northerly by the road leading from Mersereau’s 
Ferry to the Old Point.” 

DeHart’s Point. The first prominent point east of Bowman’s and a part of the 
old DeHart farm. The knoll of upland at the end of the Shore Road, near Holland 
Hook meadows, is said to have also been called DeHart’s Point (Bayles, p. 3,) but 
this seems to be an error. 

DeHart’s Cove. East of DeHart’s Point. Usually called Johnny DeHart’s 
Cove. 

Peggy’s Point. Southwest of the railroad trestle near Western Avenue. It is a 
point of higher land in the meadow. Peggy’s Point is named after Judge David 
Mersereau’s sister who married a Post. Judge Mersereau was prominent on the 
Island during the first part of this century. A man by the name of Page bought 
Peggy’s Point and the surrounding meadows, and when he become old and decrepit 
he deeded the land to his relatives in consideration that they take care of him for the 
remainder of his days. Their care taking, however, according to the neighbors, was 
of a very poor quality, and the old man finally died in the wood shed. 

Beulah. The sandy point or dune that extends along one side of Old Place 
meadow reaching northward nearly to Old Place Creek. Though termed Beulah in a 
spirit of irony, to a naturalist it is well named and is anything but desolate. Also 
known as the Big Hummock. 


20 


Spear’s or Spirit Point. A point of slightly raised upland projecting south- 
westward into the meadow near the head of Old Place Creek. Mrs. Prior, wife of 
Andrew Prior, the first miller of Old Place mill, committed suicide by jumping into 
the creek at this point. It is sometimes called Spirit Point. 

Mersereau’s Point. An old name for the point at what is now Port Richmond, 
to which Mersereau’s Ferry ran. Minutes of the Common Council, July 21, 1823. 

Upper or Pelton’s Cove. At the Bend in the Shore Road between Davis and 
Bement Avenues. 

Lower Cove. Located near the foot of Lafayette Avenue, New Brighton. An 
old name. 

Butler’s Cove. At Ward’s Point near Tottenville. 

The Cove. East of Butler’s Cove, on the edge of the “Meadows” and the 
“Cedars.” 

Woglom’s Cove. Between Smoking and Ellis’ Points on the Sound. 

Ross’ Cove. The bend in the shore at Rossville near the old Ross (now C. Lyon) 
homestead. Winant’s or Ross’ Brook flows into this Cove. 


KILLS, CREEKS AND BROOKS. 

Brook St. Brook. Once flowed to the bay at the Watering Place—the present 
Tompkinsville—a pure stream, but now a dirty, garbage transporting torrent in wet 
weather, and dry in summer. Mentioned in the Abstract of the Title of Thomas E. 
Davis to certain Lands in Castleton, p. 11, (1834) as “the creek which flows through 
the Marine Hospital ground.” 

Jersey St. Brook. Once the overflow of the Hessian Spring but now in the 
same condition as the Brook St. Brook. (See Hessian Spring.) 

Gore’s Brook. Rose near the head of Vanderbilt Ave., flowed through the Gore 
farm and emptied at Stapleton. Once a well known brook. 

New Creek. At South Beach. Many years ago a creek emptied near the Narrows 
following nearly, if not the same course as the present Old Town or Pole Creek. The 
mouth of this old creek became closed and New Creek was opened—hence the name. 
This must have happened previous to the making of the map in 1797. Not many 
years ago, the Boulevard was built a little up from the high tide mark and New Creek 
was bridged, but in many places owing to the washing away of the shore only a trace 
of the road remains. New Creek is very erratic as regards at least a portion of its 
course, and for many years previous to the winter of 1883-84 emptied a considerable 
distance to the southwest of its present mouth. There was a point formed which each 
year grew longer, until at last the stream flowed so slowly that in the winter mentioned 
it froze, and the upland became flooded. When spring came the water broke 
through straight to the ocean, and now another point is being slowly formed. In 
1797 the creek is portrayed as emptying straight to the ocean, without any accompany¬ 
ing point, but on the maps of 1850, 1859 and 1872 the point is shown. 

Old Town or Pole Creek. North east branch of New Creek. The brook which 
is the head waters of this creek, rises near Sand Lane at the Old Town, and flows 
parallel to South Beach. 

Perine’s Creek. A north branch of New Creek. The brook from Van Wageuen’s 
Pond, or Woodside Lake, flows into this creek. 


Barton’s or Seaver’s Creek. A northwest branch of New Creek. The brooks 
from Reed’s and Mersereau’s Valleys, after joining, flow into this creek. 

Barnes’ Creek. A westerly branch of New Creek, into which the Moravian 
Brook flows. 

Tyson’s Creek. “Petition of Obediah Holmes, for a warrant to survey and lay 
out a certain piece of land lying in the county of Richmond, adjoining to the land of 
the petitioner, upon the head of Tyson’s Creek.” Rand Papers, 1686. 

Taylor’s or Moravian Brook. Rises in the swamps northeast of the Woolsey 
Pond on Todt Hill and flows through the Moravian Cemetery and the old Taylor 
farm into Barnes’ Creek, a branch of New Creek. Report Staten Island Improvement 
Com., p. 46. 

Stony Brook. The brook from which Stony Brook settlement probably got its 
name, is difficult to locate at present. It may be the brook, now usually dry, that 
flows southward across the Amboy Road toward Great Kill, or possibly it is the same 
as Richmond Brook. (See Bridge Creek.) 

Creek of Granees. “Description of a survey of a lot of land lying upon the 
south side of Staten Island, with 5 acres of meadow adjacent to ye creek of Granees, 
and 5 acres of moore to ye north east of Seadar Poynte, laid out for Theo. Davison.” 
Hand Papers, 1676. 

Pyse Creek. “Communication of Stephen Hesiott to the governor in relation to 
a certain piece or parcel of land on Staten Island, at the head of Pyse Creek, next 
adjoining to Peter Johnson and Win. Johnson’s lots.” Not dated but placed in the 
Land Papers between Jan. and March, 1684. 

Muddy Ditch. Near the Mill Road at Oakwood. “B’n N. by Mill road, E. by 
land of A. S. or A. V. Connor or A. O’Connor, S. by beach and bay of New York and 
W. by Muddy Ditch. 8 acres.” Advertisement, State Tax Sale, Dec., 1890. 

Great Kill. Mentioned in the Land Papers in 1676; on Map of 1797 and on all 
later maps. 

Bass Creek. At Great Kill. O11 Map of 1797 and later maps, but now nearly 
obliterated by the subsidence and washing away of the beach. This name is also 
applied to a branch of Main Creek and to a small creek on the Sound between Hanne’s 
and Mark’s Creeks. 

Mill Creek. At the head of Great Kill. Smith, 1836. Dripps, 1872. The creek 
on which Lake’s tide mill is located. Its upper part is called Holmes’ Creek. 

Flat Creek. Small creek between Mill and Lockman’s Creeks. Smith, 1836. 

Lockman’s Creek. Next large creek west of Mill Creek. A small creek near 
by, rarely shown on maps, is called Flat Creek. Lackaman’s Creek is shown by 
Smith, 1836. 

Duck Creek. Next creek west of Lockman’s. Smith, 1836. 

Wolfe’s Brook. Flows into Wolfe’s Pond, which lies northeast of Seguine’s 
Point. 

Lemon or Seguine’s Creek. Empties into Prince’s Bay to the west of Seguine’s 
Point. Seguine’s Creek is mentioned in Richmond Republican, April 24th, 1830. 

Little North River. A name for Lemon Creek which lies north and south. It 
is mentioned in a deed as the west boundary of the old Seguine farm. The Prince’s 


Bay Road leading to Seguine’s Point, was once the private lane to the homestead. 
The “Richmond Co. Herald,” for June ist, 1895, records the fact that a large number 
of tomcod and smelt from the United States fish hatchery had been placed in the 
“Tittle North river at Prince’s Bay.” 

Sandy Brook. Rises to the northeast of Wood Row Road and empties into 
Temon Creek. Named on Map, 1797. 

Jack’s or Butler’s Creek. Butler’s Brook flows from Brown’s Pond, near 
Tight House Hill, into Butler’s Creek at Prince’s Bay. In recent years the creek has 
been improved and is now usually spoken of as the Canal. Black Jack Ward, a negro 
in the service of the Butler family for many years, once lived near by and the creek 
at that time generally bore his name. 

Uncle Ed. Wood’s Brook. Rises on the Wood property close to St. Paul’s 
Church on the Amboy Road, and flows southerly to the Cove, east of Ward’s Point. 

Mill Creek. Extends from Richmond Valley Station to Staten Island Sound. 
Map in Bayles’ History. 

’Gene’s or Tappen’s Creek. Northwest of Kreischerville. Named after Eu¬ 
gene Androvette. On the map of 1797 it is called Tappen’s Creek, and the older resi¬ 
dents also know it by that name. Asher and Abraham Tappen are mentioned on old 
grave stones in a homestead burying ground, just south of the creek. 

Oakley’s Creek. A small creek on the easterly side of Smoking Point. 

Ross’ or Winant’s Brook. Rises between Shea’s and Winant’s Tanes and 
flows into Ross’ Cove at Rossville. 

Killi-fish Brook. Flows from Mt. Tobey, the Tyster Pond, &c., and empties 
into Slaght’s Creek at Valley Forge. Another branch rises more to the northeast. 

Slack’s (Slaght’s) Creek. First Creek north of Rossville. One branch reaches 
the Fresh Kills Road at Valley Forge. 

Benedict’s Creek. Second creek north of Rossville. The Benedict farm fronts 
the Fresh Kills Road and extends on to the meadows at Benedict’s Creek. This is 
said to have been formerly known as Winant’s Creek. 

Hoore’s or Keteltas’ Brook. Rises in the woods near Journeay Road and 
flows across the Fresh Kills Road through Owl’s Hollow into Wagner’s Creek. 

Dead Han’s Creek. On Dead Man’s or Burnt Island. Empties into Tittle 
Fresh Kill. 

Fresh Kills. Mentioned in Tand Papers, 1676 ; on map, 1797, and on all later 
maps. 

Little and Great Fresh Kill. Fresh Kills divides at Burnt Island, which lies 
at its mouth, the northern arm being known as Tittle Fresh Kill, and the southern as 
Great Fresh Kill. 

Jesse Bedell’s or Wagner’s Creek. First southerly branch of Fresh Kills, 
after passing Burnt Island. It bends about Take’s Meadow Island, 

Richmond Creek. East branch of Fresh Kills. Karle’s Neck Creek or Mich- 
eau’s Creek are old names for this. 

Henry Bedell’s Hill Creek. A branch of Richmond Creek leading to the old 
Bedell Mill at Marshland, or Green Ridge. 


Betty Holmes’ or Taylor’s Brook. Rises near Annadale and flows northerly 
into Benham’s Creek, a branch of Richmond Creek. 

Benham’s Brook. Report Staten Is. Imp. Commission, p. 9r. Same as 
Betty Holmes’ Brook. Flows into Benham’s Creek, a branch of Richmond Creek. 
On the Fresh Kills Road between Betty Holmes’ or Benham’s Brook and Gifford’s 
Lane, is the haunt of Rooney’s ghost. Willows grow on both sides of the road and 
holes have been cut into their trunks and rails fitted between the trees, thus making 
them serve as fence posts. A small stream flows along the road side by the wil¬ 
lows, and Rooney, who was not considered a prohibitionist, fell into t,liis little two 
inch brook and was drowned. His ghost now prowls up and down the road, and, 
according to a reliable neighbor, a pony that was often driven about the vicinity used 
to cut most curious capers, when beneath the shade of the willows. 

Lewis’ Creek. An old name for Benham’s Creek. 

Richmond or Saw Mill Brook. Flows through the ravine at Egbertville and 
empties into Richmond Creek near St. Andrew’s church. The Blood Root Valley 
branch rises near the highest point (Dongan Knoll), and the west branch rises in the 
Mills Dale. 

Ketchum’s Mill Pond Brook. Rises in the Mills Dale near the old road to 
Richmond, now sometimes called Egbertville Road, and flows through the Ketchum 
Mill Pond into Richmond Creek. This brook and its branches have been only 
slightly affected by artificial changes and are among the most rural on the Island. 

Simonson’s Brook. Rises in the woods to the north of Springville Road (Poverty 
Lane), near the center of the Island, and flows southerly into Simonson’s Creek, a 
branch of Richmond Creek. 

John Bedell’s or Simonson’s Creek. Empties into the north side of Richmond 
Creek opposite Benham’s Creek. 

flain Creek. North branch of Fresh Kills. 

Neck or Long Neck Creek. The branch of Main Creek into which Willow 
Brook flow's. Map, 1797. Adv. State Tax Sale, Dec., 1890. Smith, 1836, calls it 
“Beck Creek.’’ 

Dock or New Springville Creek. Branch of Main, and next considerable creek 
southeast of Neck Creek. The one in which New Springville dock is located. 

Vreeland’s Creek. A branch of Dock Creek into which Vreelaiul’s Brook flows. 

Esek’s Creek. Branch of Dock Creek ; also known as Blake’s Creek. 

Flowk Creek. Branch of Main, and next creek southwest of Dock Creek. Men¬ 
tioned in Richmond Republican , Jan. 24, 1829. There is also a creek southeast of 
Travisville known as Long Neck P’lowk or Little Flowk Creek. These creeks were 
no doubt named after the fish allied to the flounders, known as the flowk or fluke. 
The true flowk is a European fish. The present day fishermen do not know why 
these two creeks are so called, but the above explanation .seems probable. 

Peter’s Creek. Branch of Main, and next creek southwest of Flowk Creek. 
Named after Peter Du Puy. “Peter Dupuy’s Creek’’is mentioned in Richmond Re¬ 
publican, January 24th, 1829. 

* 

Prall’s Creek. The south arm or branch of Peter’s Creek. 

La Tourette’s Canal. Extends from Peter’s Creek northeastward to the upland. 






Bass Creek. Small creek between Peter’s and Flowk creeks. 

Flat Creek. A branch of Richmond Creek and near Never Fail Point. 

Wreck Creek. On Fong Neck. Empties into Fresh Kills near Burnt Island. 
So called because an old wreck was once lodged there. 

Factory Creek. Next creek west of Wreck Creek. Extends toward the Lin¬ 
oleum factory. 

Fork Creek. A forked creek on Long Neck that empties into Fresh Kills to the 
east of Wreck Creek. 

Marshall’s Creek. Next considerable creek to the east of Fork Creek. Some¬ 
times called Marsh Creek. 

Island Creek. On Long Neck near Price’s Meadow Island. Empties into Main 
Creek east of Marsh Creek. Peter’s Creek on Karle’s Neck is nearly opposite. Some¬ 
times called Shrimp Creek. 

Little Flowk or Jones’ Creek. Branch of Main Creek ; the one that bends 
toward Price’s Meadow Island from the northeast. 

New Springville Brook. Rises near the corner of the old Saw r -Mill or Conner 
Road and the Manor Road, and flows across Jones’ or Rockland Road through New 
Springville into Dock Creek. This brook once turned a mill wheel in New Spring¬ 
ville village. 

Vreeland’s Brook. Rises near Sign’s Road and flows southwesterly through 
Vreeland’s Swamp at Union or New Springville Road into Vreeland’s Creek, a branch 
of Dock Creek. 

Willow Brook. Rises near the highest point of Staten Island and flows south¬ 
westerly into Main Creek. 

Corson’s Brook. Rises near the Willow Brook Road, flows through the Corson 
farm and empties into Willow Brook near Bull’s Head. Beers, 1874. 

Cannon’s or Landing Creek. Lies between Chelsea and Travisville. Andrew 
Cannon is mentioned as having 161 acres on Long Neck in the Land Papers, 1686. 
Abram Cannon’s Creek is mentioned by Bayles, p. 129. Named on map 1797. Lately 
called Chelsea Creek. 

Liberty Ditch. Cannon’s Creek, like most meadow creeks, contains several 
lengthy twists or turns, and in i860, or thereabouts, when a piece of the meadow 
was purchased for manufacturing purposes, a short cut was made across one of these 
loops, which, from the spirit of the times, received the name of Liberty Ditch. 

Saw Mill or Maggie Merrill’s Creek. North of Chelsea. One of its branches 
crosses the Watchogue Road. A saw mill was formerly located on this creek. 

Flat Brook. Flows through the low, flat woodland lying between Merrill’s Road 
and the Turnpike into Saw Mill or Maggie’s Creek. (See Flat Brook, a branch of 
Old Place Creek.) 

Daddy’s Creek. On the Sound. Next creek north of Saw Mill Creek. 

Hanne’s or Ball’s Creek. On the Sound. Next creek north of Daddy’s. 

Bass Creek, On the Sound. Small creek next north of Hanne’s Creek. 

Prall’s River. The arm of the Sound between Dongan’s Island and Staten Island. 
Advertisement State Tax Sale, 1895. 


34 


Thomas’ Creek. Mentioned in Bayles’ History, p. 129. 

nark’s Creek. First large creek south of Old Place Creek. Empties near 
Buckwheat Island. Mentioned in advertisement State Tax Sale, 1895. 

Old Place or Tunissen’s Creek. Old Place Creek is shown on recent maps. 
Sometimes called “Tunis Creek” by fishermen, &c. Tunissen’s Creek is mentioned 
in Richmond Republican , April 25th, 1829 ; in the Staaten Islander , Sept. 19th, 1857, 
and in an old deed of 1687, recorded in Richmond, Tiber B, p. 95. 

Oyster or Deep Creek. A north branch of Old Place Creek,that reaches nearly 
to Bridge or Lawrence Creek. Oyster Creek is mentioned in advertisement State Tax 
Sale, 1895. 

Oyster Creek. “Petition of Hans Lawrence of the county of Richmond, pray¬ 
ing a warrant for a survey of a piece of land on Staten Island, containing about 40 
acres ; together with a small island of meadow, of about 2 acres, lying at the mouth 
of Oyster Creek, for which he has a patent.” Not dated, but placed in 1697 of the 
Land Papers. 

Sedge Pond Creek. First southerly branch of Old Place Creek. 

Vroom Creek. Second southerly branch of Old Place Creek. Walling, 1859. 
Advertisement State Tax Sale, 1895. 

Huckleberry Creek. Third .southerly branch of Old Place Creek. Reaches to 
Beulah Point. 

Braisted’s Creek. A southerly branch of Old Place Creek, that reaches to that 
part of Lambert’s Lane sometimes called Bloomfield Road. 

Flat Brook. Flows north across Lambert's Lane into Old Place Creek. (See 
Flat Brook, a branch of Saw Mill or Maggie’s Creek.) 

Log Brook. Flows westerly across South Avenue into Old Place Creek. A few 
logs once laid across the brook and served as a bridge, hence the name. 

Old Place Brook. Rises near Quarry Hill 011 the Old Place Road and flow’s 
across South avenue into Old Place Creek. 

Lawrence or Bridge Creek. Said to have been also called Back Creek because 
it lay back of some of the farms that fronted 011 the North Shore. It empties into the 
Kill Van Kull at Bowman’s Point. The brook, that flows into the south branch of this 
creek is sometimes called Stony Brook, because in old days it w y as crossed by stepping 
stones instead of logs. 

Bridge Creek is mentioned in connection wdtli the w r ar of the Revolution as fol¬ 
low’s : “ It is imagined that another expedition is determined upon against Staten 

Island under command of Mr. Philemon Dickenson, wdio has assembled near four 
hundred men about Elizabeth Towm ; boats and scows are also prepared, with a float¬ 
ing raft, to cross Bridge Creek, and thereby secure a retreat to the point.” Bayles, p. 
196. Also mentioned in Adv. State Tax Sale, Dec., 1890. 

Is is related, that in one of the raids on Staten Island during the war of the Revo¬ 
lution, Jacob Van Pelt was taken prisoner and was being borne across Bridge Creek 
meadows aw r ay from his home and faithful wdfe, who is said to have been about foiir 
feet tall. Though a dwarf in stature, she was valiant of spirit, and accordingly followed 
her husband with the family musket, shooting one of his captors and putting the 
others to flight. Thus did this wife indeed get the “old man” back again. 

Dam=meadow Creek. A branch of Bridge Creek. The Dam-meadow and Dam- 
meadow Creek are crossed by the railroad trestle just beyond Arlington. The meadow 


35 


is nearly encircled by higher land, covered with a growth of timber, and owing to this 
isolation has also been called the Pond-meadow. It is bounded on the southwest by 
Peggy’s Point. 

Newton’s. Creek. Empties into the Kill Van Kull between Bowman’s and 
DeHart’s Points. Many years ago a man by the name of Newton widened this creek 
so that he might get boats up to his ketchup and pickle preserving establishment, 
situated near the Shore Road. 

DeHart’s or Bowman’s Brook. Bends about the high sand dune or Gerty’s 
Hill at Holland Hook, and flows into Newton’s Creek. Near the bridge where 
DeHart’s Brook crosses the Shore Road, Suckey Rowland was caught by the Devil 
many years ago and had her tongue pulled, that is Suckey always claimed that it was 
the Devil. She was a gossip and her stories with oft telling grew apace, so that her 
good neighbors became angry with this monger of tales whose tongue was so very long. 
Thus it came to pass that the Devil, in looking about Holland Hook one night to see 
what pranks he might cut, espied Suckey and her very long tongue, which he pulled 
until she screamed. He by chance did a good act on that occasion, for it is related 
that Suckey’s statements thereafter would have .satisfied the most careful historian. 

Palmer’s Run. The brook forming the boundary line between Castleton and 
Northfield, and named after John Palmer. Land Papers, 1680. Bayles, p. 113. 

Mill Brook. Same as Palmer’s Run. Land Papers, 1680. Bayles, p. 113. Now 
called Bodine’s Creek. 

Great Swamp Ditch. An old water way. It formerly conducted water from 
Willow Brook at Bull’s Head to the Butcherville branch of Palmer’s Run. 

Stinking Brook. A branch of Palmer’s Run, that crosses the Turnpike and 
receives the waste of the Four Corners’ brewery. At this writing, it is a foul smelling 
brook, remarkable for its growth of Algae and Vorticellce. 

Clove Valley Brook. Flows from the Clove Valley ponds to Palmer’s Run at 
the Mill Pond meadow, West New Brighton. 

The Canal. Dug from the Clove Valley Brook to the Factory Pond at West New 
Brighton. Abandoned in 1894 and now being filled in. 

Boiling Spring Brook. Flows into the Factory Pond. (See Boiling Spring.) 

Logan’s Spring or Harbor Brook. Flows into the Kill Van Kull at Livingston. 
(See Logan’s Spring.) “The stream known as Harbor Brook, on Henderson Avenue, 
at the premises of the Sailors’ Snug Harbor,” is mentioned in an advertisement in 
N. Y. Evening Sun, Sept. 12th, 1895. 


NECKS. 

1 he Neck, Tottenville is sometimes referred to as being on “the Neck.” 

Karle’s Neck. “Description of a survey of 80 acres of land at ye head of ye 
meadows between Long Neck and Karle’s Neck, upon Staten Island, with 6 acres of 
salt meadow and 4 acres of fresh in ye cove to the north of Seadar Poynte, laid out 
for Jon. Bissell." Land Papers, 1676. St. Andrew’s church is described as being on 
Karle’s Neck, at the head of Fresh Kills, in the Land Papers, 1713, and in Bayles’ 
History, p. 395. “Charle’s Neck” is mentioned in Bayles’ History, p. 129, and is 
shown by Smith, 1836. Karle’s Neck was sometimes called Short Neck to distinguish 
it from Long Neck. 


Long* Neck. Separated from Karle’s Neck by Main Creek. The land on which 
Linolenniville now stands. Mentioned in the hand Papers in draught of patent grant¬ 
ed to John Garretsen in 1675. 

Daniell’s Neck. “ Description of a survey of 120 acres of land lying upon the 
west side of Staten Island, to the north of Dong Neck, and to the south of Daniell’s 
Neck, laid out for Jonsia Cronsoon, by Phillip Welles, Surveyor.” Land Papers, 
1685. Mentioned again in 1697 in connection with the petition of Richard Merrel; 
also in Bayles’ History, p. 129. 

Tunissen’s Neck. An old name for the Neck between Old Place Creek (Tunis- 
sen’s Creek) and Bridge Creek. Old Place is located on this Neck. 


ISLANDS AND MEADOW-ISLANDS. 

Louse Island. When the Quarantine was situated at Tompkinsville the wash¬ 
ing for the immigrants was carried on in the “washhouse” on Louse Island. In 
building the American Docks, Louse Island and the vicinity were filled in. The Isl¬ 
and is shown but not named on Blood’s Map, 1845. 

Hoffman Island (Upper Quarantine). Swinburne or Dix Island (Lower 
Quarantine). Artificial islands off the shore from South Beach. 

Tom Bell’s Island. A wooded point projecting into the meadows between 
Garretson’s station and the South Beach on the southwest side of Seaview Avenue. 
Sometimes called Tom Bell’s Woods. This wood is said to have been much frequeut- 
ed by foxes about fifty years ago. , 

Poppy Joe’s Island. A meadow island covered with cedar trees, between Barnes’ 
Creek and South Beach. This name is used in old deeds. The sandy beach is ap¬ 
proaching this island quite rapidly. In the Richmond Republican , June 19th, 1830, the 
following mention is made of “Poppy Joe’s Island, which formerly did belong to 
Thomas Walton, deceased, and the .said Thomas Walton did convey the same to Isaac 
Cubberly, of Staten Island, deceased, and the said deceased Isaac Cubberly, did 
bequeath the same in his last will and testament to his son Isaac Cubberly, his heirs 
and assigns for ever, which said tract of land and salt meadow lying on the south side 
of the said Island, and fronting the beach or strand, and begins on the north side of 
the said tract of land and meadows, by a creek called the New Creek. * * *” 
“ Poppa Goes Island” is depicted on an old map of which the following is the title : 
“ At the Request of Doctor Nicholas Lozier I have Surveyed All His Lands and Mea¬ 
dows now in his Possession And find the Contents to Amount of 141 Acres of Land 
and Meadows as p. Mapp. Surveyed Jan’y, 12th, 1793, by Bernard Sproug. ” 

Egypt. A meadow island between Barnes’ and Bartons’ Creeks, southwest of 
Grant City. 

Oyster Island. In Great Kill. Shown but not named on Chart, U. S. Coast 
and Geodetic Survey. Named on Dripp’s Map, 1872. 

Burnt Island. On the iotli of June, 1778, three boats laden with American 
soldiers landed between Blazing Star (Rossville) and “Burnt Island” in the mouth of 
Fresh Kills, and surprised the British picket. Bayles, p. 202. This island is referred 
to several times in the Land Papers as “Ye Island of Meadow against Seadar 
Poynte.” O11 the map of 1797 it is marked “ Island of Salt Meadow.” 

Bead ITan’s or Noah’s Island. Same as Burnt Island. These names are used 
by fishermen of the present day. 


Edsall’s Island. “Description of a survey of several small pieces ol .salt meadow, 
611 the northwest side of Staten Island, near the Fresh Kills, beginning at the southern¬ 
most branch of the Fresh Kills, where it joins the sound; thence southward to Jacob 
de Muffes his creek, including a peninsula of meadow called Edsall’s Island, laid out 
for Christopher Billip, by Ro: Fulerton.” Land Papers, July 6, 1687. 

Lake’s Island. Mentioned in advertisement, Staaten Islander , Sept. 9, 1857. 
The rise in the meadow to the east of Burnt or Dead Man’s Island and probably the 
same as Edsall’s Island. Thoreau in a letter written on Staten Island, July 21, 1843, 
says: “Last Sunday I walked over to Lake Island Farm, eight or nine miles from 
here, where Moses Prichard lived, and found the present occupant, one Mr. Davenport, 
formerly from Massachusetts, with three or four men to help him, raising sweet 
potatoes and tomatoes by the acre. ” Possibly the “Lake Island Farm” of Thoreau 
is not Lake’s or Edsall’s Island. 

Price’s Island. A hummock of land in the salt meadow south of Travisville on 
Long Neck. E. Price is given as a resident by Dripps, 1850. 

Dongan’s Island. Large island of meadow in the Sound near Chelsea. On 
Dripp’s map of 1850 it is marked Dongan’s Island, but on the later maps it is corrupted 
into “Duncan’s Island.” Called Prall’s Island on map in Bayles’ History. The 
“great island of salt meadow, near the Fresh Kills, and opposite to Long Neck, laid 
out for John Palmer by Phillip Wells, surveyor,” is mentioned in the Land Papers in 
1687, and is Dongan’s Island. The patent to Palmer was approved at a council held 
March 31st, 1687, Governor Dongan being present, and on the 16th day of the following 
April, John Palmer and Sarah, his wife, conveyed the same territory to Thomas 
Dongan. Nearly opposite to this Island on the New Jersey shore, are the “Rotten 
Meadows. ’ ’ 

Ralph’s Island. The following is from the “Mirror” of 1838: “Executors Sale. 
James Bodine Sen’r deceased. * * * * Also two lots of salt meadow, No. 1 con¬ 
taining 10 acres, situated in the town of Northfield in said county at a place called the 
‘Old Place;’ bounded south by Tunison’s Creek, on the west by meadow of Wm. 
Blake, on the north by upland of Mrs. Prior, and on the east by meadow of Jacob 
Bodine, conveniently situated and of a good quality. No. 2 containing 4 acres, situate 
as aforesaid, being 011 the opposite side of the said creek, and nearly surrounded by 
water—called ‘Ralph’s Island.’” This meadow-island lies south of Mr. Kinsey’s 
residence on the Old Place road, and is no longer surrounded by the creek, which has 
changed its course. It is, however, still a meadow-island, as the former bed of the 
creek is not entirely filled up, but supports a rank growth of water-loving vegetation, 
that in summer encircles this small piece of meadow. 

Buckwheat Island. Small meadow-island in the Sound north of Dongan’s 
Island. It is near the mouth of Mark’s Creek: Clute, p. 8. It is related that a canal 
boatman ran ashore on this Island in the night, and in mentioning the accident, said 
he had grounded on “Pancake Island.” 

Schutter’s, Shuttor’s, Shuler’s, Suter’s or Shooter’s Island. Opposite 
Mariners’ Harbor. Mentioned in the Land Papers, 1676. Bew, 1781. Richmond 
Co. Clerk’s office, Liber B of Deeds, p. 63. Bayles, p. 326. Clute, p. 66. Walling, 
1859. Beers, 1874. 

REEFS, ROCKS, SHOALS, &c. 

Robyn’s Rift, “A reef in the bay at the mouth of the Kill Van Kull was once 
frequented by seals, to which the Dutch gave the name Robyn ; hence the name 


38 


‘Robjm’s Rift,’ which has, by careless usage, become‘Robbin’s Reef’.” Bavles, p. 
3, 681. Chart U. S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, Bay and Harbor of New York. 

Oyster Banks. West of Robbins Reef, between Cavan’s Point and Constable’s 
Point, N. J. Bew, 1781, shows ‘Oyster Bay and Banks,’and Des Barres, 1777, shows 
‘Oyster Banks.’ 

Baxter’s Ledge. Between St. George and Robbin’s Reef. Chart U. S. Coast 
and Geodetic Survey. 

Law’s Reef. The name applied to what remains of the old stone dock to the 
west of the present St. George Ferry slips, and at one time owned by Geo. haw. 

Lightning Rock. A considerable mass of outcropping Tremolite on the shore 
near to where the present St. George ferry slips are located. The rock was much 
worn by the waves, a prominent crevice ran across it, and a large portion had been 
broken off, probably by glacial action, and transported several yards southward. It 
was the popular tradition that these changes had been brought about by lightning, 
hence the name. 

Denyse’s or BIack=fish Rock. Near the shore at Brighton Point (St. George) 
and about three hundred feet east of Lightning Rock. The place was well known to 
fishermen some years ago, but has now been filled in. 

White Rock. The name of the rock to which Isaac Decker piloted the first 
British soldiers, who landed on Staten Island during the Revolution. Bayles, p. 
242. The outcrop of granite on the shore, now nearly covered by the filling in for 
the Tompkinsville railroad station, was called the White Rock during recent years, 
and it is quite likely the place where Decker landed the soldiers. 

Split Rock. A large split rock seen at very low tide off the shore at the foot of 
Hannah Street, Tompkinsville. 

Sugar Loaf Rock. A prominent boulder, the shape of a sugar loaf, near the 
paper factory, at the corner of Prospect Street and the Turnpike. It now occupies a 
cleared field, but was once surrounded by woods, and was then a point of pilgrimage 
for the boys of the period. 

Brogan’s Rock. A large flat rock on the shore south of Pennsylvania Ave., 
Clifton. Named after Brogan, a boatman. 

Seal Rocks. The name of several drift boulders at Prince’s Bay under Light 
House Hill, on which seals are occasionally seen in winter. 

Nigger=!iead Rock. A large boulder at the foot of the bluff at Light Hou.se Hill, 
Prince’s Bay, and known as a land mark among fishermen. 

Strawberry Rock. Off the shore near the foot of Central Ave., Tottenville. 
This rock received its name from the circumstance that strawberries once grew about 
it, before the shore had washed away. 

Polly Fountain’s or Jacobson’s Bar. Just outside of the Narrows. The Jacob¬ 
son and Fountain farms were at the Narrows and lay side by side. The bar is also 
occasionally spoken of as Keteltas’, after the old Keteltas farm, that extended to the 
South Beach at the Old Town Road. Beers, 1874. 

Craven’s Shoal. Off South Beach, northeast of Hoffman Island. Chart, U. S. 
Coast and Geodetic Survey. Map, Bayles’ History. 

New Creek Shoal. Near the mouth of New Creek. 


89 


West Bank. Hoffman and Dix Islands east of South Beach are on West Bank. 
Chart, U. S. Coast and Geodetic Survey. Beilin, 1764. Bew, 1781. 

Barnes’ Lead. Off South Beach between New Creek and the Elm Tree Eight at 
the foot of New Dorp Eane. 

Great Kill Shoal. Southeast of Crooke’s Point. This is what is called Old 
Orchard Shoal on the government chart (Great Kill Shoal not being mentioned), but 
according to oystermen, &c., the true Old Orchard Shoal is further to the west nearly 
opposite Huguenot. The Old Orchard, now washed away by the ever encroaching 
sea, is said to have been situated just west of Arbutus Lake. “Kill Shoal’’ is shown 
by Smith, 1836. 

Old Orchard Shoal. The Old Orchard Shoal Eight is situated a little over two 
miles southeast of Crooke’s Point. Chart, U. S. Coast and Geodetic Survey. (See 
Great Kill Shoal.) 

Middle Ground. The shallow area south of the channel at Prince’s Bay. So 
called by oystermen, &c. 

Round Shoal. A name for Middle Ground, or at least its upper portion. Chart 
U. S. Coast and Geodetic Survey. 

Oyster Beds. Same as Middle Ground and Round Shoal. Smith, 1836. 

Texas. Southeast of Ward’s Point, between the channel and Middle Ground. 
The water is several feet deeper than on Middle Ground. A well known locality 
among fishermen, &c. 

Mill Creek Shoals. In the Sound at Mill Creek, Tottenville. 

Kreischerville Flats. I11 the Sound off Kreischerville. 

Big, Great or Storer’s Beds. The Great Beds Eight is situated southwest of 
Ward’s Point. Chart U. S. Coast and Geodetic Survey. Fishermen call the wide 
and shallow part of the Sound north of Ellis Point, Great Beds, Big Beds or Storer’s 
Beds. 

Story’s Flats. Mud flats in the Sound between Ellis and Smoking Points. 
Chart U. S. Coast and Geodetic Survey. These flats should be called Storer’s after 
the old Staten Island family of that name who owmed the upland. 

Lewis’ Beds. Oyster beds in Eewis’ or Benham’s Creek. 

Perine’s Hole. A deep place in Perine’s Creek, a branch of New Creek. 

King=fish Hole. Situated off Elm Tree Eight. Known to fishermen by this 
name because the King-fish or Barb sometimes occurs there in great numbers. 

Deep Hole. In Prince’s Bay. Seventy four feet deep. Another deep hole is in 
the Sound near Tottenville, and is forty-eight feet deep. Still another deep hole is 
just below where the Fresh Kills bridge crosses Richmond Creek. 

Shannon’s Hole. A deep place in the Sound between Slack’s Creek and Bene¬ 
dict’s Creek. 

Garretson’s Bar. Near (above) where the old Garretson or Fresh Kills Bridge 
crossed Richmond Creek. 

Sea=dog Shoal. Situated near the northerly end of Dongan’s Island. Shown, 
but not named, on map 1797. 





HILIyvS 


Fort Hill. The bill crossed by Westervelt Avenue, New Brighton, and named 
from the several British forts located thereon in Revolutionary time. Clute, p. 93. 
Mentioned in advertisement State Tax Sale, Dec. 1890. Map of property at Fort 
Ilill, Staten Island, filed 20th July, 1853. No. 116. 

Quality Hill. An old nickname for Fort Hill, applied to it by the residents of 
Thrifty Valley. Dutch Hill is a more recent name. 

(ioat Hill. An old name for Fort Hill. The unfenced portion was formerly used 
as a goat pasture. 

Vinegar Hill. The southerly slope occupied by Monroe and Montgomery Ave¬ 
nues, New Brighton. This was also known as “The Orchard,” because Gov. Tomp¬ 
kins’ apple orchard was located there. “The Orchard” is shown on Blood’s map, 1845. 

Cork Hill. A later name for Vinegar Hill. The Cork Hill boys and the bo} r s 
from Rocky Hollow used to march against each other some years ago and indulge in 
“ Wild Irish ” stone fights. They were imbued with an excess of local pride. 

Redoubt Hill or Mount Tompkins. The prominent hill back of Tompkins- 
ville, 011 which a British earthwork was located during the Revolution, the remains of 
which are still to be seen. “The Pavilion at Mount Tompkins ” is mentioned in 
advertisement by Caleb T. Ward in Richmond Republican , March 1st, 1828. Mount 
Tompkins is mentioned in the Stciaten Islander , June nth, 1856. Redoubt Hill is 
mentioned in the Staten Island Star , Dec. 14, 1895. 

Pavilion Hill. The same as Mount Tompkins. A great Sunday resort thirty or 
forty years ago. Called “ Mount Pavilion ” in advertisement in N. Y. Herald, of 1835. 
Blood, 1845. Now occasionally called Cow Hill. 

Ward’s Hill, The next hill southeast of Pavilion. 

flount ITarion. Same as Ward’s Hill. Blood, 1845. 

Fiedler’s Hill. Rises from the Turnpike west of Pavilion Hill. 

Turney’s Hill. At the present Hill Street, between Jersey Street and York 
Avenue, New Brighton. 

Grimes’ Hill. Rises from the Richmond Road back of Stapleton. 

Capo di Monte. Old name for Grimes’ Hill. Blood, 1845. 

Signal Hill. An old name for Grimes’ Hill. Rept. Staten Is. Imp. Com., pp. 
45, 82, 88, 90. The British maintained a number of signal stations on the Island dur¬ 
ing the war of the Revolution, one of which was located on this hill. 

Schaefer’s Hill. The steep ascent at the top of Targee Street, Stapleton. A 
recent name. 

Jackson’s Hill. A recent name for the prominent hill rising from the Richmond 
Road opposite Osgood Avenue, Stapleton, and at present used as a common. It is a 
part of Grimes’ Hill. 

Pole Hill. Near Grimes’ Hill. Now known as “ Morning Side.” 

Boyd’s Hill. An old name for the high ground along the Richmond Road near 
the head of Wright Street, Stapleton. 

Prospect Hill. At the corner of Bay and Prospect Streets, Stapleton. On Blood’s 
map, 1845. Now removed. 


41 


Hamel’s Hoofden. The Narrows. “These Hoof den, or headlands, were named 
after Hendrick Hamel, one of the directors of the West India Company.” Bayles, pp. 
47, 83. Mentioned in 1630 in the Indian deed of the Island to Micliil Pauw. Manual 
of the City of N. Y., 1869. 

Little Fort Hill. Near the site of the present fort that commands the Narrows. 
Bayles, p. 259. 

Concord Downs. This name has been applied to the large tract of naked, hilly 
land lying between the Finger Board Road and the Richmond Road. It was once 
covered with trees, that would grow again, if protected from the omnivorous goats, 
resident in Concord and vicinity. The same character of country, though wooded, 
extends to the Old Town Road. The Downs are now much used by golf players. 

Fox Hill. Report Staten Is. Imp. Com., pp. 88, 90. Southwest of the present 
Rosebank railroad station. This and Mayer’s Hill are the most prominent of the Con¬ 
cord Downs. 

Mayer’s Hill. The Finger Board Road bends about this hill. Beers, 1874. 

Roguery Hill. A murder was once committed on a small elevation over which 
the Finger Board Road passes, and which from that circumstance received the name 
of Roguery Hill, and the road became known as the Roguery Hill Road, until the 
guide post, showing the road to Richmond, was erected, when it received its present 
name. Clute, p. 232. A continued story appeared in the Staaten Islander during 
January and February, 1854, entitled “The Stranger’s Revenge; or, The Haunted 
Swamp of the Finger Board Road. A11 Historical Legend of Staaten Island, by a new 
contributor.” The Roguery Hill murder figures as a feature of this tale. It is said 
that several robberies were also committed on the hill. Among ‘ ‘ lands to be sold 
without reserve,” mentioned in advertisement in Richmond Republican, March 21st, 
1829, is “a farm containing 20 acres in the aforesaid town of Southfield, bounded on 
the road leading from Roguery Hill to the Narrows.” 

Todt or Toad Hill. Rises from the Richmond Road at Garretsons, the present 
Dongan Hills post office. It was not called Todt Hill before the Revolution, but the 
name began to be used during the latter part of the war. Bayles, p. 246. Clute, pp. 
8, 226. I11 the Staaten Islander, for Aug. 30th, 1856, there is an article on the origin 

of the name ‘Todt Hill.’ It is there stated that in one of the early encounters between 
the Indians and the Dutch settlers several of the latter were killed on the hill, which 
in consequence received the name of Todt or Death Hill. I11 the next number of the 
paper a correspondent, writing from “Cockroach Alley, Snailville,” declares the 
proper name to be ‘Toad Hill’ and relates this story: “In days of yore, a young man 
paid his ‘distresses’—for so they were regarded—to a young lady who resided on the 
hill. I11 order to offend him and cause him to discontinue his unwelcome visits, she 
privately dropped a toad or two—young ladies were not afraid of toads in those 
days—into his capacious pockets, where they remained until they became offensive. 
This circumstance became known, and afterwards, whenever a youth was seen wend¬ 
ing his way towards the hill, his jesting friends would advise him to take care of his 
pockets if he was going to Toad Hill.” Map of property on “Toad Hill” filed Feby. 
4th, 1857, No. 157. “Todt or Toadt Hill” is mentioned in advertisement State Tax 
Sale, 1895. 

Iron Hill. Same as Todt Hill. “Description of a survey of 120 acres of land 
lying in the vicinity of the Iron Hill, upon Staten Island, laid out for Peter Lakeman, 
by Phillip Welles, surveyor.” Land Papers, 1685. The “Iron Plills” are mentioned 
in the patent to John Palmer of 5.100 acres in 1687. Bayles, p. 115. Clute, pp. 24, 
226. (See New Lots at Old Town.) 


Yserberg or Iron Mount. “Description of a survey of 176 acres of land upon 
Staten Island under tlie Yserberg (or Iron Mount) for Louis Lakenian by Jas: Corteljau, 
surveyor.” Land Papers, 1676. 

Ocean Hill. The highest part of Staten Island along which Ocean Terrace Road 
runs. Map in Bayles’ History. 

Dongan Knoll. The highest point of the Island overlooking Willow Brook val¬ 
ley and beyond. Report Staten Is. Imp. Com., pp. 63, 88, 89. 

Camp Hill. A knoll southwest of the Black Horse Tavern, near the Amboy 
Road, and called Camp Hill by the British soldiers during the Revolution. Proceed¬ 
ings Nat. Sci. Association, Vol. IV., No. 7. 

Kellett’s Hill. Near Egbertville ravine and the old saw mill pond. Named 
after J. P. Kellett, the proprietor of the Richmond Hill hotel. Proceedings Nat. Sci. 
Association, Vol. 1, p. 62. 

Meissner’s Hill. A later name for Kellett’s Hill, which is now traversed by 
Meissner Avenue. Named after Frederick Meissner. Kellett’s or Meissner’s Hill is 
really only a part of Richmond Hill. 

Richmond Hill. North of Richmond village. Shown by Dripps, 1850. Men¬ 
tioned in Staaten Islander , February 28th, 1857. Also called La Tourette’s Hill. 

Crocheron’s Hill, Fort Hill, or Look=Out Place. The cedar-covered hill 
west of Richmond village, where the old British fort is located. Geib’s Hill is a later 
name. 

Ketchum’s or Cemetery Hill. The last hill in the range that commences at 
Brighton Point and terminates suddenly at Richmond Creek. A better view may be 
had of the meadows from the top of this hill than from Look-Out Place. For over a 
hundred years the crown of the hill has been used as a family burying ground. 

Forest Hill. Lies parallel to Richmond Hill, being separated by the Mills Dale 
or Buck’s Hollow. The Forest Hill Road extends along the crest of this hill. 

Kite or Heifer Hill. That part of Forest Hill over which the road from New 
Springville to Richmond (Poverty Lane) passes. 

Cripp’s Back. A hill crossed by the Annadale Road, between Washington Ave¬ 
nue and Fresh Kills Road. The following occurs in notice of auction sale in Rich¬ 
mond Republican, January 22, 1831 4 “All that certain lot of land called Cripp’s Back, 
formerly owned by Nicholas Journeay, deceased, situate in the town of Westfield, in 
the county of Richmond, beginning at the east corner thereof at Cripp’s Back Bars, 
so called. * * * ” 

Indian Hill. On the Amboy Road, where joined by Washington Ave., between 
Eltingville and Annadale. In the records of the laying out of the road leading from 
Darby Doyle’s Ferry to Billopp’s Ferry (part of the Richmond Road and all of the 
Amboy Road) made in 1774, Indian Hill is mentioned. LaForge’s Hill is named as 
being more to the eastward, probably near the southerly turn of the Amboy Road at 
Eltingville, and Moore’s Hill is named as near Sandy Brook. (See Proceedings 
Natural Science Association, Vol. V., p. 14.) “Johnson’s Hill and LaForge’s Hill, 
near the church of the Huguenots,” are mentioned in the Staaten Islander , Feby. 25th, 
1854. 

Bunker Hill. An old name for the high bluff at Prince’s Bay where the light¬ 
house now stands. Map, 1797. A rather high conical hill at Huguenot, west of 
Arbutus Lake, is now known as Bunker Hill. 


Seguirte’s Of Light House Hill. The hill on which Prince’s Bay light is located. 
Chart, U. S. Coast and Geodetic Survey. Red Bank Light. Walling, 1859. Beers, 
1874 - 

Red Bank. The bluff at Prince’s Bay. Colton, 1846. Dripps, 1850. Walling, 
1859. Dripps, 1872. Map in Bayles’ History. 

Neddie Ward’s or Ware’s Hill. Close to and northwest of Pleasant Plains 
railroad station and traversed by the Rossville or Bloomingdale Road. 

Canada Hill. The prominent hill back of the railroad station at Richmond 
Valley, Westfield. 

Sand Ridges. West of Beach Avenue at Richmond Valley, Westfield. These 
ridges were occupied by the Indians in old time, and at present a number of interest¬ 
ing hybrid oaks grow in the adjacent lowland known as Decker’s Swamp. 

Cronk’s or Hopping’s Hill. A prominent knoll on the north side of the Am¬ 
boy Road, Tottenville. 

Burial Ridge. The knoll near the Billopp House at Tottenville from which 
many Indian remains have been exhumed. 

The Bluff. At Tottenville, near the end of the Amboy Road. 

Chestnut Hill. The northern part of Kreischerville (Androvetteville) and 
traversed by the Fresh Kills Road. The following may not refer to same Chestnut 
Hill: “Description of a survey of a lot of land containing 81 acres with 8 acres of 
meadow, situate in the middle or body of Staten Island, upon a ridge known b}?- the 
name of Chestnut hill, laid out for Joseph Arosmith, by Phillip Wells, surveyor.” 
Land Papers, 1683. 

Van Allen’s or flcComber’s Hill. The southern part of Kreischerville. The 
Fresh Kills Road passes over this hill. 

Kreischer’s Hill. At Kreischerville, opposite the brick works. 

Androvette’s Hill. Near Kreischerville, on the south side of ’Gene’s Creek. 

Cedar Hill. Near Kreischerville, on the north .side of ’Gene’s Creek. It is a 
rather high sand hill covered with cedars. 

Burying Hill. A small sand knoll southwest of Smoking Point, near Rossville, 
supposed to have been used as an Indian burying ground. 

Mount Tobey. The hill on the westerly side of Swaim’s or LaForge’s Lane 
at Valley P'orge, Westfield. 

Pompey’s Knoll. A sand dune, close to the Sound, between Cannon’s or Land¬ 
ing Creek and Chelsea. Pompey was a darkey and lived on this knoll many years 
ago. 

Sailor’s Hill. A long sand hill on the southerly side of Decker Avenue (a name 
for the western end of Merrill Avenue) near Chelsea Road and Saw Mill Creek. The 
hill received its name from the circumstance that a sailor was buried there many 
years ago. 

Big Hummock, or Beulah Land. The long sand hill that extends along the 
meadow at Vroom and Old Place Creeks. 

Little Hummock. A smaller dune to the southeast of the Big Hummock. 


44 


Battle Hill. A sand dune on the southerly side of Bridge Creek where it is 
crossed by Western Road. One of the numerous skirmishes between the British and 
the Americans from New Jersey occurred here during the Revolution. A trench was 
dug on the creek side of the hill in which the killed were buried. A part of Battle 
Hill is now occupied by the dwelling and garden of the Rev. Jas. B. Kenny. 

Aunt Gertie’s Hill. A high sand dune on the old De Hart farm, to the east of 
Newton’s Creek, at Holland Hook. 

Quarry Hill. The trap rock quarry, known as the Upper Quarry, near Granite- 
ville, is on this hill. Bayles, p. 433. Dripps, 1850. Walling, 1859. An account of 
the old quarry is given in the Staten Islander , July 10th, 1889. 

Burger’s Hill. At Burger and Castleton Avenues, West New Brighton. A well 
known locality among the boys some years ago, who used to sleigliride down 
Burger’s Hill. 

Nanny=berry or Sunset Hill. A hill nearly covered with black-haw bushes and 
cat-briers, near where Bard Ave. meets the Clove Road. The open ground 011 this hill 
is locally known as the Common. 

Hickory Corner. Several old fences met on the highest point just east of the 
upper part of the present Bard Avenue, where also stood a hickory tree, and the hill 
top, in consequence, was known as Hickory Corner. 

Harbor Hill. The high ground at the head of Clinton Avenue, New Brighton. 

Ocean Terrace. The high land between the Clove Valley and the Richmond 
Road along which the Ocean Terrace Road now runs. Map of property on ‘Ocean 
Terrace’ filed 19th Sept., i860. No 181. (See Ocean Hill.) 

Smith Terrace. O11 Boyd’s Hill, Stapleton. 

Upper Terrace. The hill side at St. Mark’s Place, New Brighton. 

Lower Terrace. Below the Upper Terrace. A part of Richmond Terrace or 
Shore Road. 

Brighton Heights. Same as Upper Terrace. The “Brighton Heights Dutch 
Reformed Church” is situated on the corner of Tompkins Ave. and Fort Place. 
Clute, p. 260. 

Knyphausen Heights. The high land above Tompkins Ave. General Knyp- 
hausen commanded the British fort situated 011 these heights, the remains of which 
may still be seen. 

Castleton Heights. The high land north of the Moravian Cemetery and east of 
Egbert Avenue. Walling, 1859. The town of Middletown was created by an act of 
the State Legislature in i860 and was formed from parts of Southfield and Castleton. 
The hills once called Castleton Heights are now in Middletown. Thoreau in 1843, 
used to date his letters at Castleton. He lived on the Richmond Road. The residence 
of Alderman J. Y. Cebra, on the Turnpike and Cebra Avenue, was also called “Castle¬ 
ton Heights.” Blood, 1845. 

Huguenot Heights. At the corner of Woodrow Road and Huguenot Ave. 
Dripps, 1872. 

Chelsea Heights. On the Turnpike, near Signs Road. Walling, 1859. Beers, 
1874. 


v alleys and hollows. 

Thrifty Valley, An old name for the low ground through which Monroe and 
Montgomery Avenues now pass. 

The Clove. The old Dutch and the present name of the cleft in the hill through 
which the Clove Road finds its way into Clove Valley. Clute, p. 232. Rept. Staten 
Is. Imp. Com., p. 45. The Turnpike Road traverses Clove Valley from northeast to 
southwest. 

Little Clove Valley. Reaching southward from the Little Clove Road. Rept. 
Staten Is. Imp. Com., p. 64. 

Martling Dale. A part of the Little Clove Valley. Rept. Staten Is. Imp. Com., 
pp. 64, 88. 

The Glen. At the northwest end of Britton’s Pond, near where the mill once 
stood. Rept. Staten Is. Imp. Com., p. 64. 

Manor Dale. That portion of the valley of Willow Brook near the Manor Road. 
Rept. Staten Is. Imp. Com., pp. 64, 88. 

Mills Dale or Buck’s Hollow. Extending from near the old mill at Egbertville 
along the northerly side of Richmond Hill to Ketchuin’s Mill pond. Rept. Staten 
Is. Imp. Com., pp. 64, 88. 

Egbertville Ravine. Ides between Kellett’s Hill and Egbertville Road, near 
Egbertville. Richmond or Saw Mill Brook flows through this ravine. 

Blood Root Valley, Black Horse Ravine, or Valley of Dead Man’s Creek. This 
deep shaded ravine lies west of Egbert Avenue, about a quarter of a mile from where 
it joins the road to Egbertville. It is called by the first of these names because the 
Blood Root grows there in abundance; by the second, on account of a tradition that 
a messenger between the British forts used to ride in the days of the Revolution 
through the valley, and by the third, from the circumstance that a dead man was 
once found by the brook side. 

Valley of the Iron Hill or flersereau’s Valley. There is to be found in the 
history of the county a pleasing anecdote of the rescue of a young lady by her lover, 
Mersereau, from the hands of an unscrupulous British officer, who was quartered on 
the Island during the war of the Revolution. The valley where the incident occurred, 
is described as follows: “Almost directly opposite the junction of the road from 
Garretson’s station with the old Richmond Road, then called the King’s Highway, 
there is a deep ravine, penetrating some distance into Todt Hill, at the farthest 
extremity of which there is a spring of water. Near this, before the war commenced, 
a solitary individual had built a rude cabin, in which he dwelt for several years, but 
when hostilities began he disappeared, leaving the cabin vacant. The approach to it 
was by a foot path through the dense forest which lined the hill on either side of the 
ravine.” This is still one of the most beautiful spots on the Island; the hill sides are 
mostly wooded, a pleasant meadow with old apple trees occupies the bottom of the 
valley and the perennial spring flows as in the days of the Revolution. The neighbors 
and local historians had no name for this place and so the writer of this article, some 
years ago, called it Mersereau’s Valley. In making up the present paper, several 
persons referred to it by this name, and so it has been thought proper to insert it here. 
Lately a very appropriate name for this valley was discovered in the survey for 
Hansse Christophell, made in 1685. It is there called the Valley of the Iron Hill, the 
Iron Hill being an old name for Todt Hill. (See New Lots at the Old Town.) 


Reed’s Valley. A fork of Mersereau’s Valley. It contains a brook winch joins 
the one that flows from the hermit’s spring. (See Reed’s Basket-willow Swamp.) 

Pleasant Valley. Commences near the head of Vanderbilt Avenue, where it 
joins the Richmond Road, and extends up the hill toward the Serpentine Road. 

Rocky Hollow. The hollow back of Stapleton through which the old Richmond 
Road runs. It is below Signal or Grimes’ Hill. Bayles, p. 307. Rept. Staten Is. 
Imp. Com., pp. 45, 82, 89. 

Poverty Hollow. A hollow at Clifton into which Maryland and St. John’s 
Avenues lead. 

Means’ Hollow. A low piece of ground in Rossville near the corner of Shea’s 
Lane and Fresh Kills Road through which flows a small brook. 

Owl’s Hollow. Crossed by the Fresh Kills Road about one half mile west of 
Green Ridge. Moore’s Brook flows through Owl’s Hollow into Wagner’s Creek. 

Jan. Tunissen’s Valley. “Decription of a survey of Jan. Tunissen’s valley 011 
the Kill van Kull (Staten Island) amounting to 24acres. Pieter Cortelyou, surveyor.” 
Not dated but placed in 1696 of the Land Papers. Probably in the vicinity of Holland 
Hook which is situated on the old Tunissen grant. 

SPRINGS, PONDS AND SWAMPS. 

Watering Place. The name of a large spring that existed until thirty or forty 
years ago near the bluff at the southerly end of the present railroad tunnel at Tomp- 
kinsville, where ships used to procure a supply of water before going to sea. The 
name was also applied to the vicinity of this well known spring. Called “Weis” by 
Beilin, 1764. Clute, pp. 113, 460, 683. Bayles, pp. 85, 192, 241, 326. Map, 1797. 

Hessian Spring. In the valley east of Jersey St., New Brighton. Bayles, p. 82. 
Clute, p. 32. ‘Hessian Springs’ are located by Blood, 1845, and by Sidney, 1849. In 
the “Abstract of the Title of Thomas E. Davis to Certain Lands in Castleton,” p. 18, 
(1834) occurs the following: “* * * * the said party of the second part, his 

heirs and assigns shall have * * * * the spring called the Hessian Spring, being 

upon said block or square, number sixty, for the purposes of watering the village of 
Tompkinsville and the premises hereby conveyed, or for any other purpose, and forty 
feet square of land surrounding and including said spring for the purpose of erecting 
thereon buildings and machinery for raising said water * * * * .” 

Cruser or Boiling Spring. Near Bement Ave., West New Brighton. Bayles, 
pp. 6, 116. Proceedings Nat. Sci. Association, Vol. I., p. 62. Boiling Spring brook 
flowed into the Factory Pond. 

Logan’s Spring. Near the northerly side of Silver Lake, in the adjoining valley. 
Named after Logan, an Indian. Clute, p. 6. Blood, 1845. Sidney, 1849. Logan’s 
Spring brook flows through the Dike to the Kill Van Kull at Livingston. 

Horse=shoe Spring. Occupies a liorse-shoe shaped depression in Clove Valley, 
southwest of Silver Lake. 

Upper Quarry Spring. On the side of Quarry Hill, Graniteville. Beers, 1874. 

Hudson’s Spring. Thirty years ago a fine spring issued from beneath the stone 
wall at the corner of the Shore Road and Vanderbilt Avenue, Clifton. It has now 
entirely disappeared. The tradition is that Henry Hudson, as he sailed past the 
Island, sent a boat ashore to procure water, and that he got it at this spring. 


41 


Moravian Spring. In the Moravian Cemetery and now covered by the artificial 
lake. Proceedings Nat. Sci. Association, Vol. IV., p. 52. 

flineral Spring, At Freeman Winant’s Swamp, near Union or Springville Road. 
One of the springs that flow into the small pond made by the Crystal Water Co. It 
owes its name to the considerable amount of iron found in the water, which at one 
time was taken as a cure for rheumatism. 

Van Buskirk Spring. O11 the Van Buskirk farm at Garretson’s Road, North- 
field. 

New Springville Spring. In New Springville village ; well known to every 
Staten Island pedestrian and bicyclist. 

Indian Spring. To the west of Willow Brook Road, not far from Corson’s 
Brook. Sam and Hannah, the last Indians resident upon the Island are said to have 
lived for some years near this spring. 

Fresh Pond. Mentioned in Palmer patent in 1687. Bayles, p. 115. Same as 
Silver Lake. Clute, p. 59. Blood, 1845, Dripps, 1850. 

Tushy’s Pond. At the corner of the present Cebra and Ward Aves., Middle- 
town. Has been dry for many years. 

Westervelt’s Pond. Once situated in the low ground in Thrifty Valley through 
which Monroe and Madison Avenues now run. It received the drainage of Vinegar 
(Cork) Hill, where the Orchard was located. 

Duck Pond. Near the corner of the present York and Brighton Avenues, New 
Brighton. Now filled in. 

Harbor Ponds. I11 property of Sailors’ Snug Harbor. One lies north and one 
south of Castleton Avenue. 

Sexton’s Pond. An artificial extension of Boiling Spring Brook on the Sexton 
property, Castleton Avenue, West New Brighton. 

Barrett’s Pond. A small pond in the Barrett Nursery grounds at the head of 
Burger Avenue, West New Brighton. 

Britton’s Upper Pond, Britton’s Pond or Clove Lake (Mill Pond), Martling’s 
Pond or Richmond Lake, Reservoir or Brook’s Pond, Schoenian’s Pond. A series 
of artificial ponds in the Clove Valley represented on most maps of the Island. The 
last mentioned has lately been drained. 

Blake’s or Brook’s Pond. Artificial pond near the corner of Prospect Street 
and Manor Road. Walling, 1859. The dam of this pond gave way during the great 
storm of Sept., 1882, and the torrent demolished the brick and stone bridge at Post 
Avenue. The dam was not rebuilt. 

Iron Mine Ponds. The abandoned iron mines near Four Corners, now filled 
with water. 

Van Boskirk’s or Factory Pond. Connected with the N. Y. Dyeing and Print 
Works, West New Brighton. It is now nearly filled in and it is proposed to lay out 
several streets upon the newly made land. “Mill Pond, of the N. Y. Dyeing and Print¬ 
ing Establishment, formerly known as Van Boskirk’s Pond, ” is shown on map filed 
March 20th, 1850, No. 70. 

Reservoir or Barrett’s Pond. Back of the Dye Works on Cherry Lane, West 
New Brighton. Beers, 1874. 


48 


Bodine’s Pond. Formed by the damming of Palmer’s Run and used for many 
years by various milling industries. The pond was drained some years ago and the 
wells of the Richmond County Water Co. have been sunk in the remaining marsh. 
Mill Lane (Columbia Street) and Pond Road (Jewett Avenue) skirted the edges of 
this pond. 

Red Lake. Between the Morning Star Road and Simonson Avenue, Port Rich¬ 
mond. The pond was formed in the depression made by excavating clay for the 
Northfield brick works. These works were abandoned some years ago and the pond 
has lately been drained. 

Cape Henlopen. Fifty years ago a small pond on the east side of Van Pelt 
Avenue, not far from the present EJrastina Station, was known as Cape Henlopen. 
Gradually the name became changed, so that to-day the children about the place 
know the little pond as Cape Malorca, even sometimes calling it Kate Malorca. At 
present it contains no cape, but there may have been one in old days, or perhaps its 
general shape suggested to the fancy of some seafaring resident of Mariners’ Harbor 
the name of Cape Henlopen. 

False Pond. A small pond several hundred feet east of Cape Henlopen and 
near Simonson Avenue. It seems to have been known as Paul’s Pond, after Paul 
Mersereau. 

Long Pond. A very small pond north of Cape Henlopen. It has been known 
by this name for many years. 

Sandy Leer. Apparently an old name for this, is the Flag Pond, but of late 
years it has been called Sandy Leer, because an individual by that name once lived 
on Simonson Avenue, and the pond was back of his garden. 

Log Pond. Near Old Place at South Avenue. Log Brook flowed through this 
small pond which is now drained. 

Dead Han’s or Snake Pond. A small pond on the southerly side of Old Place 
Road near the bend, and not far from Spirit Point. It is called Dead Man’s Pond, 
because a murdered peddler was thrown into it many years ago. When the good 
inhabitants of Old Place have been going home late at night they have seen strange 
sights near this pond. A headless man was once observed lingering near it; also an 
angel supported on a luminous cloud, which we take to have been a will-o’-the-wisp. 

Sedge Pond. Sedge Pond Creek extends from the Sedge Pond on the Salt 
Meadows to Old Place Creek. 

Hersereau’s, Charles Wood’s or Old Place Hill Pond. This pond was con¬ 
structed in 1804, by David Mersereau who built the tide mill on Old Place Creek. 
Bayles, p. 559. Charles Wood’s Mill Pond is mentioned in the Richmond Republican, 
Feb’y 28th, 1829. 

Clifton Lake. Near New York Avenue, in the grounds formerly belonging to 
Mark Birmingham. Beers, 1874. 

Fort Pond. In the Fort grounds at the Narrows, near the end of Richmond 
Avenue. 

Connor’s or Duer’s Pond. O11 what was once the Keteltas farm, at Richmond 
Avenue, Clifton. Beers, 1874. Now filled in. 

Lily or Luling’s Pond. O11 the westerly side of the railroad track between 
Arrochar and Fort Wadsworth stations. 


40 


Leavitt’s Pond. Between Vanderbilt and Simonson Avenues. On wliaf was 
once the Geo. Leavitt property. 

Frog Pond. Near Vanderbilt Avenue, in Leavitt’s Woods. Now drained. 

On the Concord Downs, which are composed of impervious drift material, there 
are many ponds and swamps. Fifty-two are shown on Vermeule & Bien’s map. 
They are nearly all called ponds by the neighbors, but are, as a rule, only ponds 
by courtesy, most of them being overgrown with swamp-loving vegetation. The 
largest of these ponds and pond swamps are the following : 

Brady’s Little Pond. On the edge of the Downs, a few feet to the southeast 
of Simonson Avenue. Also called Duck Pond. 

The Swamp or Clifton Park Pond. On the edge of the Downs a few hundred 
feet to the northwest of Simonson Avenue. Clifton Park is shown by Walling, 1859. 
The pond still has a few trees about it and is used for skating, being more of a pond 
than a swamp. The Bogie of the newspapers appeared in this pond in July, 1895, and 
attracted many people by its loud singing. It was probably an escaped specimen of 
the ordinary “ Jug-of -rum ” bull frog, that is common enough in parts of New Jersey, 
but has not, so far, been reported from the Island. Goose pond is a small pool a few 
feet to the west of the Swamp and connected with it. 

Wood Pond. Lies several hundred feet to the southwest of the Swamp. This 
small pond has been known by this name for at least fifty years. A still smaller pond 
near by and to the west is known as the Black Pond. 

Swel!=BeIly Pond. A few hundred feet from Wood Pond. If Simonson Ave¬ 
nue were continued, it would meet this pond. The boys apply the name rather in¬ 
definitely to several contiguous swamp-holes, which are interspersed with knolls. 

Radcliff’s Pond. Northwest of the Swamp and near Vanderbilt Avenue. Now 
drained. 

Cherry Pond. A small pond between the Swamp and Radcliff’s Pond. It is 
now nearly drained. A cherry tree stands on its margin. 

Elmore’s Pond. Near the corner of Simonson Place and Oder Ave. 

Ipe’s Pond. Lies northeast of Steuben Street, and is the largest of the Swamp- 
ponds of the Concord Downs. 

fliller’s or Hoble’s Pond. Near Steuben Street, Concord. 

Fronkel’s Pond. Close to and southwest of Steuben Street, Concord. Contains 
an island. 

Fest’s Pond. Adjoins Fronkel’s Pond. 

Gottschafk’s Pond. Lies southwest of DeKalb Street, Concord. Gottsclialk is 
a too difficult name for many of the neighbors, who have corrupted it into Gunshot. 

Island Pond. On Fox Hill. A small pond. 

Willow Pond. Included in the bend of the Finger Board Road. Five willows 
grow on its margin. 

Brady’s Pond. Large artificial pond close to railroad track at Grasmere. It 
occupies the site of the Haunted Swamp. (See Haunted Swamp and Brady’s Little 
Pond). 

Widmayer’s or Track Pond. Lies close to the railroad track at Grasmere, 
nearly opposite to Brady’s Pond. 


50 


Woodside Lake. Near the Finger Board Road and in wet weather connected 
by a brook with Brady’s Pond. Beers, 1874. 

Vail Wagenen’s Pond. A11 old name for Woodside Lake. 

Old Town Pond. A small pond on the north side of the Old Town Road near 
the railroad track. Proceedings Nat. Sci. Association, Vol. IV., p. 7. 

Butler’s Pond. South of the railroad track between Garretson’s station and 
Grant City.. Proceedings Nat. Sci. Association, Vol. II., p. 75. 

Woolsey Pond. On the old Woolsey place on Todt Hill, close to the Four 
Corners Road. 

Johnson’s Pond. Near Tyson’s Lane, New Dorp. Once a considerable pond, 
but drained some years ago. Named after Anthony Johnson. Dripps, 1850. Walling, 
1859. Dripps, 1872. 

Black Pond and Moore’s Pond. O11 the south side of the Richmond Road, 
near Moore Street, Richmond. Both have been drained. A bog remains on the site 
of Black Pond, where cranberries grow in some abundance. 

Ketchum Mill Pond. West of Richmond. Mill no longer in existence. Clute, 
p. 101. Often mentioned in Rep’t. Staten Is. Imp. Com. Another mill pond was 
once situated further up Ketchum’s Brook, on the southeast side of Forest Hill Road. 
The remains of the old dam may still be seen. 

Hall’s Gun Factory Pond or Willow Brook Pond. An artificial pond at Willow 
Brook. Dripps, 1850. Walling, 1859. 

Standring’s Pond. Close to and southeast of the Gun Factory Pond. Walling 
1859. Beers, 1874. 

Crocheron Mill Pond or Bull’s Head Pond. Near Sign’s Road at Bull’s Head. 
The mill is no longer in existence. 

Saw Mill Pond. Near Egbertville. Both mill and artificial pond are gone. 

Geib’s Mill Pond. At the old tide mill on Richmond Creek below the hill 
where the British Fort was located. It was formerly known as the Crocheron Mill 
Pond. Dripps, 1850. The mill was advertised for sale in the Staaten Islander during 
1857 - 

Mill Pond at Green Ridge. An arm of Richmond Creek dammed in order to 
form a head of water for the old Henry Bedell tide mill. Beers, 1874. Bedell’s Mill 
Pond was once called Seguine’s Pond, advertisement Richmond Republican , Oct. 4th, 
1828 ; also Micheau’s Pond, advertisement Rtaaten Islander , Sept. 9th, 1857. 

Lake’s Mill Pond. A tide mill pond at Great Kill that used to operate the old 
Lake mill which has lately fallen into ruins. 

Clay Ponds. Some of the clay diggings at the brick works near Green Ridge 
have become filled with water and are locally known as the Clay Ponds. 

Seguine’s Pond. At the shore, below Annadale station. This was one of the 
most beautiful ponds on the Island before the timber was cleared away from its margin. 

LaTourette’s Pond or Arbutus Lake. At the shore below Huguenot station 
on the old La Tourette farm. The Trailing Arbutus or May flower used to grow in 
considerable abundance in the vicinity and gave to the pond its latter-day name, 
which is sometimes corrupted into Brutus Lake. A bulkhead recently built has 
caused the sand to form at the shore end of this pond and prevents the salt water 
from entering it. 


51 


Wolfe’s Pond. At tlie shore, below Prince’s Bay, northeast of Seguine’s Point. 
Wolfe’s brook flows into this pond. 

Salt Pond. Close to Light House Hill, at Prince’s Bay. So called because the 
tide flows into it. It has of late years become a marsh. 

Brown’s Pond. An old name for a small pond northwest of Light House Hill, 
Prince’s Bay. It is now on the Mt. Loretto grounds and used as an ice pond. 

Elliott’s Pond or The Rink. Near the Amboy Road and Elliott Avenue, Tot- 
tenville. This was formerly a swamp, but is now a favorite skating place in winter, 
hence, one of the names. 

Three fTusk=rat Ponds. Southeast of Elliott’s Pond and near Uncle Ed. 
Wood’s Brook. 

Long Pond. To the east of the Three Musk-rat Ponds. Lately enlarged. 

Weir’s Mill Pond. At Mill Creek, Tottenville. Walling, 1859. 

Lyster’s or LaForge’s Pond. Partly on the Lyster and partly on the LaForge 
farm, near Mt. Tobey, at Valley Forge. Now nearly drained. The outlet of this 
pond is a branch of Killifish Brook. 

Meadows. Hollow near the Smith Infirmary, through which Brighton 
Avenue now passes. A name of thirty or forty years ago. Duck Pond was a feature 
of the locality. 

Logan’s Spring Swamp. Near Silver Lake. (See Logan’s Spring.) 

Clove Lake Swamp. In the Clove Valley and crossed by the Turnpike Road. 
Often mentioned in connection with the natural history of the Island. 

Bloodgood’s Swamp. Near Sand Lane, south of Richmond Avenue, Clifton. 
Wm. Bloodgood is represented as owner of considerable land by Blood, 1845. 

Garretson’s or Sharrott’s Swamp. North of the Finger Board Road close to 
where it is crossed by the track of the Staten Island railroad. 

Linden Park Swamp. Below Linden Park near Garretson’s Station. Branches 
of Perine’s Creek drain this swamp. Often mentioned as a locality in connection 
with the flora of the Island. 

Haunted Swamp. By placing a dam near the Finger Board Road, and with the 
aid of the railroad embankment, this swamp has been converted into Brady’s Pond. 
It received its name from the robberies and murder committed 011 its edge, on Rogu¬ 
ery Hill. (See Roguery Hill.) 

Reed’s Basket=wiliow Swamp. In the hills, near the Richmond Road at 
Garretsons. The Reeds, father and son, were basket makers; they grew willows in 
this swamp and resided in a small house on its margin. In a fit of despondency, after 
having parted with his property, the younger Reed burned the house to the ground. 

Ben William’s, Haunted or Magnolia Swamp. To the west of the Amboy 
Road, between Oakwood and Giffords. “A very worthy old stage driver, named 
Ben Williams, running a line of stages over the route nearly parallel with that which 
had been selected for locating the railroad, remarked on learning that such a road 
was in contemplation, ‘Make a Railroad ! Where will they get passengers from? I 
have run my stages for five years, and am not half full most of the time.” ‘‘Hand- 
Book and Business Directory of Staten Island,” p. 13. 


52 


Boylsted’s Swamp. Shown by Bew, 17S1, but made to cover so much terri¬ 
tory that its position is uncertain. The Haunted or Magnolia Swamp, however, ap¬ 
pears to occupy a portion of the ground. 

Decker’s Swamp. West of Beach Avenue, at Richmond Valley, Westfield. 
The Sand Ridges form the western boundary of this swamp. 

Christopher’s Swamp. Near the Billopp House, Tottenville. 

Ellis’ Swamp. Crossed by the Fresh Kills Road at Kreisclierville. ’Gene’s 
Creek extends into this swamp. 

Freeman Winant’s Swamp. Southwest of Union or New Springville Road, 
on the edge of Neck Creek meadow. The Crystal Water Co. have located wells at 
this point. 

Crocheron’s Swamp. Southwest of Union or New Springville Road on the 
edge of Dock Creek meadow. New Springville Brook flows through this swamp. 

Vreeland’s Swamp. On both sides of Union or New Springville Road, between 
Crocheron’s and Freeman Winant’s Swamp. Vreeland’s Brook flows through this 
swamp into Dock Creek. 

Great Swamp. Extends from the present Graniteville to New Springville. 
Mentioned in the patent to Palmer in 1687. Bayles, p. 115. Clute, p. 59. 

Long Creplebush. “Petition of John Shad well, of the county of Richmond, 
praying that 8 or 10 acres of land, lying between his lot and the long creplebush, in 
said county, may be surveyed in order that he may obtain a patent for the same. ’ ’ 
Land Papers, 1702. There was a Cripple Bush 011 New York Island, as appears from 
the following : “One Lott of Ground Lying and being near the Crupple Bush.’’ New 
York Weekly Journal , December, 1734. “ Bestevaer’s Cripple Bush, was the Dutch 

name for what was afterward called Beekinan’s Swamp, covered by the present Ferry, 
Gold and adjacent streets.’’ “ Bestevaar’s Cripplebusli, or the Old Man’s Swamp.” 
Valentine’s Manual, p. 469, 1856 ; p. 545, i860 and 1864. 

Hilleker’s Swamp. Crossed by Merrill Road, near Watchogue. 

Pine Tree Swamp. Near Lambert’s Lane, Watchogue, and north of Hillek¬ 
er’s Swamp. Also known as Magnolia Swamp. Pine Tree Swamp is mentioned in 
the Richmond Republican , March iSth, 1831. 

The Swamp. A local name for the small swamp on Bard Avenue, near where 
the Morgan residence now stands. 


MEADOWS, FIELDS AND PLAINS. 

Flats. The best known are the Stapleton Flats (Bayles, p. 304), located at the 
foot of Prospect Street. They were made by digging away Prospect Hill and filling 
in along the shore. The level ground at Brighton Point (St. George) was also once 
known as the Flats. 

Baker’s Field. At Montgomery and Monroe Avenues, New Brighton. A well- 
known children’s play ground about 1870. 

The Fresh Meadow. In Logan’s Spring Valley, north of Silver Lake. Named 
in the Palmer or Dongan patent, in 1687 (Bayles, p. 115); also in deed of Dongan’s 
trustees to Hendrick Hendrickson. In the Phillip Welles patent the Fresh Meadow 
is mentioned as near a ‘ ‘great rock stone. ’ ’ 


53 


Great Plain. Said to have been the comparatively level tract to the east of the 
Great Swamp. The following is from a notice of sale at public auction contained in 
the Richmond Repbulican , Feb’y 5th, 1831 : * * all that certain tract or parcel 

of land, situate, lying and being in the county of Richmond and state of New York, 
and in the town of Castleton, at or near a place formerly called soldier’s lots, in the 
rear of the land patented to Cornelius Corson and others, on the great plain * * * ” 

Little Plains. “Petition of Samuel Blachford, praying that a lot of land lying 
upon ye little plains, adjoining to ye soldiers lots on Staten Island, may be laid out 
for him,” Land Papers, 1683. 

New Dorp Plains. The level country about New Dorp Lane. Higginson, i860. 
Report Staten Is. Imp. Com., pp. 74, 79. Staaten Islander, Feb’y 16th, 1856. 

Great Kill Headow. At Great Kill, and mentioned in advertisement in Rich¬ 
mond Republican , Maj^ 29th, 1830. The wet land along the edge of the meadow is 
locally known as ‘ ‘ The Bogs. ’ ’ 

The Meadows. A local name for the low land between Ward’s Point and the 
Cove, Westfield. 

Fertile Plain. Between Benedict’s Creek and the Fresh Kills Road. Walling, 
1859. Named on the various editions of Colton’s Road Map of Staten Island. 

Buckram Field. The field south of the Dye Works at Broadway, West New 
Brighton. Soldiers were encamped there during the last war. 

Butt Field. Near the Morning Star Road, at Red Lake. Well known to the 
neighbors as a ball ground, and called the Butt Field because in one portion of it 
there are stones and stumps, the latter, however, now mostly removed. 

Old Blue~Bent Field. The public school building on Andros Avenue, Mariners’ 
Harbor, stands on part of the Old Blue-Bent Field. The name was applied to a tract 
of sandy land where the blue-bent or beard-grass ( Andropogon) still grows in abund¬ 
ance, and where the Indians lived in old time, as evinced by their implements still to 
be found in the field. 


PART IT 


FERRIES AND LANDINGS. 

T HERE is a chapter devoted to ferries and transportation in the “History of Rich¬ 
mond County,” but .some of the following notices antedate those mentioned in 
the history. A valuable account of Staten Island Ferries is also to be found in 
the action of the “Mayor, etc., of New York, plaintiffs, against John H. Starin, Inde¬ 
pendent Steamboat Company, and others, defendants,” 1885. 

Indian, Decker’s, Ryers’, Hilleker’s and Mersereau’s Ferries. At what is 
now known as Port Richmond. Clute, pp. 221, 309. Bayles, pp. 172, 202, 246, 560, 
684. Decker’s Ferry is on Bew’s map, 1781, and is mentioned under date of 1777 in 
Valentine’s Manual, 1863.. Ryers’ feny is on map, 1797, and on Eddy’s map of 1812'. 
John Ryers ran an opposition to John Hilleker’s ferry. David Mersereau bought out 
both of these ferries. In the county clerk’s office there is a “Map of Land at Irring- 
ton or Mersereau’s ferry, Staten Island,” surveyed, 1842 (No. 28). Ryers’ and Mer¬ 
sereau’s ferry is mentioned in Staaten Islander , June 18th, 1856. 

Dacosta’s Ferry. Placed on Bew’s Map, 1781, to the west of the Dutch Church, 
at what is now Port Richmond. 

Schuyler’s Ferry, Elizabethport and Staten Island Ferry. In 1762 Adoniah 
Schuyler operated a ferry between Elizabethtown Point and the Island. Bayles, p. 
684. I11 1851 the Elizabethport and Staten Island Ferry Co. was organized and service 

maintained for a period. 

De Hart’s Ferry. Located 500 to 600 feet east of the New Brighton landing at 
the foot of Jersey St. In 1747 Jacob De Hart petitioned Gov. Geo. Clinton for letters 
patent for a public ferry. He had operated the ferry for some time previous to his 
petition. 

Beek’s and Corsen’s Ferries. On May 15, 1747-8, a petition in opposition to 
De Hart was presented by neighboring property owners. “John Beek and Jacob 
Corsen have for some years past, used to carry travellers from their lands to the City 
of New York and to the opposite shores of New Jersey * * * .” 

Comes’ Ferry. In 1747, Solomon Conies having purchased DeHart’s farm before 
any decision upon DeHart’s petition had been reached, renewed this petition : “Peti¬ 
tion of Solomon Comes for a ferry between Staten Island and New York, &c.” “Peti¬ 
tion that his ferry between Staten Island and New York, may be declared a public 
ferry.” Land Papers, 1747, 1748. Comes’petition was granted. 

Van Tuyl’s or Van Tyle’s Ferry. To the west of Comes,’formerly DeHart’s, 
ferry. “Petition of Otto Van Tyle and others, against granting Jacob deHart a 
patent for a ferry between their land and the river, and the land between high and 
low water mark (Staten Island) with caveat.” Land Papers, 1747. 

Gozen Ryerson’s Ferry. At the east end of Staten Island at the entrance to 
the Kills. Bayles, p. 683. In the minutes of the Common Council for March 29th, 
1785, there is a memorandum stating that the Staten Island ferry was sold for the 
term of three years, from May 1st, 1786, to Gozen Ryerson for /20 per annum pay¬ 
able quarterly. 


55 


Still House Landing. Named from a distillery built by Capt. Thomas Lawrence 
on a small wliarf at the present New Brighton landing at the foot of Jersey St. 
Bayles, p. 82. Director Kieft founded a brandy still on the Island in 1640, which is 
said to have been the first manufactory of spirituous liquors in America. 


Some Other North Shore Ferries were the New Brighton Ferry, main¬ 
tained by Thos. E. Davis, Griswold and Nathan Barrett, who ran the steamboat “New 
Brighton’’ in 1837 or 1838; George Law’s ferry from 1859 to 1864? ; the North Shore 
Staten Island Ferry Co., purchasers of George Law’s ferry, i860 to 1877; New York 
and Staten Island Steamboat Co., successors to the last mentioned company, from 
1877 to 1884, when the Staten Island Rapid Transit Railroad Company commenced 
operations. 

Watson’s, Ducket’s, Darby Doyle’s, Wm. Leake’s, Cole’s and Van Duzer’s 
Ferries. According to Faden’s map of 1776, Doyle’s ferry was at the present Staple- 
ton, at or near the Basin. Cole’s ferry is often mentioned in the accounts of the 
Revolution. It was at the end of the Richmond Road, at its junction with the present 
Bay St., and later became known as Van Duzer’s ferry. Property belonging to 
Edward Perine and wife is described in 1801 as: “Beginning from south side of Main 
road leading from Van Duzer’s Ferry to Richmond Town at the northeast corner of 
John Bodine’s land,’’ &c. Van Duzer’s periauger ferry seems to have been in opera¬ 
tion from before 1788 to 1817. It is shown by Eddy, 1812. The old Van Duzer 
homestead has only recently fallen into ruins. “Vanduzer’s Old Landing’’ is shown 
by Dripps, 1850. Bayles, pp. 143, 185, 202, 242. 326, 683, 684. 

Vanderbilt’s Periauger Ferry. Plied between what is now Stapleton and New 
York from about 1800 to 1817. This ran in opposition to Van Duzer’s Ferry. 

Dove and Bellue’s Ferry. “The statement in the petition and the Governor’s 
warrant that there was a public road leading to the ‘place on the eastermost part of 
Staten Island called Sand Bay, very convenient for travelers and transporting of goods 
and the posts, ’ taken in connection with an ancient map of Staten Island made by 
S. Beilin in 1764, found in Valentine’s New York City Manual for 1861, page 597, 
shows quite conclusively that the Staten Island end of this ferry was at the foot of 
Cliff Street, just south of the present Quarantine officer’s station in Clifton, about a 
mile below Vanderbilt or Clifton Landing, and on the line of the present Fingerboard 
Road, which undoubtedly formed in those days part of the Old Amboy Road, over 
which the posts traveled on their way from the mainland to the city.” Mayor, &c., 
of New York against Starin &c., Argument for Defendants, p. 6. (See Sand Bay.) 

Narrows Ferry. “ Silvanus Seamans, who keeps the upper ferry, at the Nar¬ 
rows, on Staten Island side, having good boats for that purpose, proposes, besides the 
proper attendance at the said ferry, constantly to keep a passage boat to go from 
thence to the city of New York, which will certainly set out every Tuesday and Fri¬ 
day, and return the same day if possible, and at any other time, if passage or freight 
presents. All gentlemen and others may depend on the best usage and care, either 
of themselves, horses or goods of any kind ; he also keeps very good entertainment 
for men and horses. On either of those days the boat may be found in New York by 
inquiring at Mr. John Cregier’s, a corner house at the Old Slip. ” N. Y. Weekly Post Boy, 
July, 1745. (Reprinted in Valentine’s Manual, 1862.). The “ Narrows Ferry ” is 
marked on Faden’s map, 1776. Frederick Simonson owned a ferry at the Narrows in 
1777. Bayles, pp. 143, 171,681,684. “ This is to inform the public that John Lane 

now keeps the ferry at Yellow Hook 011 Long Island, six miles below New York Ferry, 


66 


and lias provided good boats, well fitted with proper hands, and will be ready at all 
times, wind and weather permitting, to go to Smith’s Ferry, on Staten Island with a 
single man only. N. B.—Travelers are directed to observe in going from Flatbush to 
Sand Ferry, to keep the marked trees at the right hand.” Reprinted in Valentine’s 
Manual, 1855, p. 571, from an old newspaper of 1753. 

Tompkins’ or Quarantine Landing. The ferry landing at Tompkinsville (see 
Quarantine). “The Steam Boat Bolivar, Capt. Oliver Vanderbilt, and the steam boat 
Nautilus, Capt. Robert Hazard, will take passengers to and from New York to the Quar¬ 
antine Dock, Nautilus Hall, Mount Pleasant Garden, Planter’s Hotel, and Union Gar¬ 
den, Staten Island, and start as follows : Reave Staten Island at 7 a. m., at 8 a. m., at 
10 a. m., at half past 12 p. m., at half past 2, at half past 4, and at 6 o’clock. Reave 
Whitehall, New York, at 8 a. in., and at 10 a. in., at half past 12 p. m., at half past 2, 
at half past 4, at half past 5, and at 7 o’clock. Fare each way, 12 and a half cents.” 
Advertisement in Richmond Republican, June, 1828. “P A or Freight or Charter.—The 
fast-sailing Periauger, New York, of 34 tons, will take in freight or passengers for 
New York or the adjacent country, on the most moderate terms. For freight or pas¬ 
sage apply to John Kettletas, Tompkinsville.” Advertisement in Richmond Republi¬ 
can , Dec. 22d, 1827. Tompkins’ and Staples’ P'erry is mentioned in advertisement in 
New York Herald of 1835. Proceedings Nat. Sci. Association, Vol. Ill, p. 60. 

First, Second and Third Landings. Before the present rapid transit system, 
Tompkinsville Landing at the foot of Arietta St., was often called First Landing; 
Stapleton Landing at the foot of Canal St., Second Landing, and Clifton Landing, 
near the foot of Vanderbilt Ave., Vanderbilt’s or Third Landing. 

Vanderbilt’s Landing. Near the foot of Vanderbilt Avenue, Clifton. Named 
after Cornelius Vanderbilt. Dripps, 1850. Walling, 1859. Beers, 1874. A name in 
much use until recent years. 

Some Other East Shore Ferries were Tompkins’ & Brown’s Steamboat 
ferry, operated from 1817 to 1827 ; the Fulton Bank ferry, from 1827 to 1833; Rich¬ 
mond Turnpike Co’s, ferry, from 1833 to 1845 ; C. Vanderbilt’s ferry, from 1845 to 
1S55 ; Jacob L. Smith’s ferry (lease in his name), from 1856 to 1867. George Law 
was chief owner in the Smith ferry and sold it to the Staten Island Rail Road Com¬ 
pany in 1863 or 1864, who continued its management until the Staten Island Rapid 
Transit Rail Road got control. 

Seguine’s Landing. At Seguine’s Point, Westfield. Mentioned in advertise¬ 
ment in the Mirror , Aug. nth, 1838. 

Amboy, Billopp’s, Dote’s (Doty’s) and Butler’s Ferries. At Tottenville. 

‘ ‘These are to inform all persons that there is a ferry settled from Amboy over to 
Staten Island, which is duly attended for the conveniency of those that have occasion 
to pass and repass that way. The ferriage is fourteen pence, Jersey currency, for man 
and horse, and five pence for a single passenger.” Reprinted in Valentine’s Manual, 
1862, p. 715, from an old newspaper of July, 1737. Amboy Ferry is on Bew’s map, 
1781. Bayles, pp. 143, 681, 684. Proceedings Nat. Sci. Association, Vol. III., p. 54. 
Map, 1797. (See Philadelphia Turnpike.) 

Totten’s Landing. At the foot of the present Main or Totten St., Tottenville. 
Dripps, 1850. 

Elting’s Landing. At the present Kreisclierville. Dripps, 1850. 

Blazing Star Ferry. At the present Rossville. Clute, p. 73. Bayles, pp. 192, 
682. On Map, 1797. “Ferry at Blazing Star. Francis B. Fitch, respectfully informs 


the Public, that lie has once more started the above Ferry, for which he has built af 
first-rate Scow, and as soon as the traveling will warrant, he intends adding a Horse 
Boat, and no exertion or expense on his part, shall be wanting to secure public 
patronage. The Turnpike to the Quarantine, (it being only seven miles) is now in 
complete order, as also the Turnpike to New-Brunswick, twelve miles. The road to 
Rahway, Milton, Westfield, &c., is also in good repair. Blazing Star, Nov. 24th, 
1827.” Adv. in Richmond, Republican Nov. 24th, 1827. “Old Blazing Star ferry” is 
mentioned in Staaten Islander , Jan. 25, 1854. 

New Blazing Star Ferry. O11 Tong Neck, where the present Linoleumville is 
situated. Bayles, pp. 192, 682, 684. Map, 1797. (See Philadelphia Turnpike.) The 
“New Ferry” is shown by Eddy, 1812. 

ROADS AND LANES. 

Under the colonial government, Richmond County was divided in March, 1688, 
into Castletown, Northfield, Southfield and Westfield. Under the State government, 
act of March 7th, 1788, these divisions were again made and their boundaries fixed. 
Bayles, pp. 95, 326. The town of Middletown was not organized until i860. As 
might be supposed, portions of the boundaries of the original four towns were fixed 
by some of the old roads. Thus, on the map of 1797 the west boundary of Castletown 
(nowthe west boundary of Castleton and Middletown) is shown as a single road lead¬ 
ing from the present Watchogue Road to the Richmond Road, and is described as 
leading to Houghwout’s Mill, and “as it runs along by Richard Conners to the Tav¬ 
ern called the Rose and Crown, on the said Road leading to Richmond-Town.” This 
single road which extends in a general way north and south, has received different 
sectional names. Thus the part from the Watchogue Road to Willow Brook is known 
as the Willow Brook Road (Beers, 1874); the following southeasterly stretch as the 
Summer Field Road (Beers, 1874); then the southwesterly stretch as the Manor 
Road, and then the following southeasterly stretch as the Saw Mill, Conner or 
Egbertville Road. This naming has come about by the opening of new roads that are 
direct continuations of parts of the old zigzag highway, leaving it as a whole, a short 
cut to nowhere. 

King’s Highway. The Richmond Road. Bayles, p. 223. “Petition of Jacob 
Galliott and others, of Richmond county, for a warrant to lay out a cartway from 
their lands to the King’s Highway.” Land Papers, 1707. This road is described in 
1801 as “main road leading from Van Duzer’s Ferry.” “Richmond Road to 
Quarantine” is shown on map of property purchased by the Staten Island Association, 
filed in March, 1839, No. 22; also on other maps of about the same date. “Road 
from Richmond Village to the Quarantine” is shown on map of the John Britton 
farm, filed Oct. 29th, 1853, No. I2 5 - 

Richmond Plank Road from Vanderbilt’s Landing to Rossville. “Map of 
the Richmond Plank Road from Vanderbilt’s Landing to Rossville, 10.297 miles, 
J. B. Bacon, Surveyor, Staten Island,” 1853. Filed 30th June, 1853, No. 114. The 
roads leading into this highway are the following, the names in parenthesis being 
additional to those given on the above mentioned map : 

Shore Road. (Bay St. Beers, 1874.) 

Old Richmond Road. 

Clove Road. 

Fingerboard Road. 

Old Town Road. 


58 


Castleton Road. (Four Corner Road. Beers, 1874.) 

New Dorp Lane. 

Amboy Road. 

Manor Road. (Saw-mill; Conner or Kgbertville Road.) 

Gifford’s Lane. 

Port Richmond Plank Road. (Seaside Ave. Beers, 1874.) 

South Side Road. (Annadale Road.) 

Road to South Side. (Journeay Ave. Beers. 1874.) 

Washington Avenue. 

Killi-fisli Road. (Swaim’s or LaForge’s Lane.) 

Woodrow Road. (Shea’s Lane, Road to Woodrow, &c.) 

On several maps filed in 1843 and 1854, appears the “Richmond Plank Road,” 
the “Plank Road from Vanderbilt’s Landing,” or the “Richmond Plank Road to 
Vanderbilt’s Landing.” In the Staaten Islander for Jan. 23d, 1856, it is stated that 
the Richmond Plank Road Company has paid 14 per cent., and is now paying a divi¬ 
dend of 20 per cent. 

Shore Trail. The Shore Road or Richmond Terrace. Said to have been an 
Indian trail. The road formerly ran all the way around the shore from Mariner’s 
Harbor to the old Tompkinsville Landing, but when the Quarantine hospitals were 
built, that end of the road was closed. Proceedings Nat. Sci. Association, Vol. II., 
p. 52. “Shore Road to Mersereau’s Ferry” is shown on map of Simonson property, 
filed June 18, 1834. No. 6. 

Haley’s Lane. An old name for Davis Avenue, West New Brighton. 

Parker Avenue. An old name for Davis Avenue. Given by Walling, 1859. 
Shawmut Avenue was a proposed name for Davis Avenue. (Beers, 1874.) 

Elliott Place. An old name for First Street (Beers, 1874), now Livingston Place, 
at Livingston. 

Mill Lane. The present Columbia Street. Bayles, pp. 5, 207. Clute, p. 97. 

Pond Road. The present Jewett or Division Avenue. Beers, 1874. Bayles, p. 5. 

Little Pond Road. Same as Little Clove Road. Dripps, 1872. 

Ellingwood Road. Many of the iron mines 011 Ocean Terrace were situated on 
the Ellingwood property and the Ellingwood or Iron Mines Road lead to them from 
the Little Clove Road. The northern portion of the Ocean Terrace Road of the pres¬ 
ent maps represents a part of the old Ellingwood Road. The Douglass Road, the 
most tortuous private or public highway on the Island, was also partly on the Elling¬ 
wood property. Beers, 1874. Advertisement State Tax Sale, 1890. 

Philadelphia Turnpike. Report Staten Island Improvement Commission, p. 73. 
Same as Richmond Turnpike, which was once the post and stage road to Philadelphia. 
That portion of the Turnpike, from its present junction with the Little Clove Road to 
the head of what is now known as Jewett Avenue, is represented on the map of 1797. 
The remainder of the road, both to the east and west of this section, was laid out in 
1815 and 1816 by the “Richmond Turnpike Company,” as appears from the following, 
copied from the session laws of 1815, act of March 31st, page 119. “Be it enacted &c. 
that all such persons as shall associate themselves together for the purpose of making 
a good and sufficient turnpike road in the most direct and practical route from a point 
on the easterly side of Staten Island within one mile of the marine hospital or 
Quarantine Ground in the County of Richmond to the westerly shore of said Staten 
Island at such point on the said westerly shore as may be in the most direct line from 


59 


the place of beginning to the City of New Brunswick in the State of New Jersey, and 
a branch of said road in the most direct route to Amboy Ferry shall be and hereby are 
created a body corporate and politic by the name and style of Richmond Turnpike 
Company.” The Session laws of 1817, page 17, Dec. 1, declares that it shall not be 
necessary for the Richmond Turnpike Co. to make a branch to Amboy Ferry from the 
road already completed by them leading from the Bay of New York to the New 
Blazing Star Ferry and they are thereby released from the same. The New Blazing 
Star Road is shown on map finished Oct. 12th, I 793 > and filed Feb’y 7th, 1852. No. 89. 
The Turnpike was sometimes called the Governor’s Road, that is, Gov. Tompkins’ 
Road, because he was instrumental in having it laid out. 

Long Neck Road. Rept. Staten Is. Imp. Com., p. 73. Same as Richmond 
Turnpike. 

Old Burying Hill Road. At Travisville. Extends from Cannon Avenue past 
what is now Sylvan Cemetery, to the Turnpike. 

Church Road, Port Richmond Plank Road, Stone Road. Road leading 
from Port Richmond to New Springville. Known at first as the Church Road, then 
as the Port Richmond Plank Road, then as the Stone Road, and now called Rich¬ 
mond Avenue. This old highway is a direct continuation of the Morningstar Road 
at Graniteville, and it is to be regretted that when the change of name was made, that 
Morningstar was not preferred. Map of the Port Richmond and Fresh Kill Plank 
Road. Filed 15th March, 1852. No. 95. ‘‘Port Richmond and Fresh Kills Plank 
Road Company. The annual election of a Board of Directors of this Company will 
take place at the office of the Company at Marshland, on Wednesday, March 5th, at^ 
12 M. By order of the Board of Directors. Dated, Marshland, Feb’y 6th, 1856. H. I. 
Seaman, Secretary.” Advertisement in fStaaten Islander , March 1st, 1856. ‘‘B’d N. 

by Springville Cemetery, E. by Stone road, and S. & W. by land of Cortlandt Cro- 
cheron and others; with house, acres. Adv. State Tax Sale, Dec., 1890. 

Garretson’s Road. Dripps, 1872. 

South Broadway. Beers, 1874. Garretson’s Road or South Broadway, also 
once known as a part of the Port Richmond and Fresh Kills Plank Road, is the road 
leading from New Springville to Green Ridge. Garretson’s toll bridge across Rich¬ 
mond Creek fell into ruins some years since. It connected Eltingville or Seaside 
Avenue (Plank Road, Higginson, i860) in Westfield, with the Church or Port Richmond 
Plank Road (Stone Road) in Northfield. The Port Richmond and Fresh Kills Plank 
Road and the Plank Road from Vanderbilt Landing, are shown on map of land, be¬ 
longing to Obadiah Bowne, Esq , situate in Westfield, Richmond Co., N. Y. Filed 
Nov. 9th, 1853. No. 128. Garretson’s Road is occasionally called Bridge Avenue, 
and also the Old Turnpike. (See Fresh Kills Bridge.) 

Morgan’s Road. Previous to the construction of Garretson’s Road or South 
Broadway, there was an old road leading along the edge of the meadow on the westerly 
side of Karle’s Neck. Several of the farms w T ere occupied at that time by members 
of the Morgan family, and for want of a better name we have called it Morgan’s Road. 
When the Plank Road was built the old one fell into disuse, and is now grass grown, 
and, as a highway, neglected. 

Watchogue, Butcherville or Snake Road. Starts where the Pond Road (Jewett 
Avenue) meets the Turnpike and runs a serpentine course to the Church or Stone 
Road. That portion from Four Corners to the Willow Brook Road is laid down on 
the map of 1797 and is among the oldest roads of the Island, but as far as observed is 
not named on the maps, though generally known as the Watchogue or Butcherville 


60 


Road. It is sometimes referred to as the Snake Road on account of its serpentine 
course. 

Kruse Road. That part of the Willow Brook Road between the Watcliogue Road 
and the Church Road or Richmond Avenue, Port Richmond. It is one of the oldest 
roads on the Island and is on the map of 1797. Beers, 1874, calls it the “Kruse or 
Wilson Brook Road.” 

(iun Factory Road. A name for the Willow Brook Road. The gun factory was 
at Willow Brook and is shown by Dripps, 1850. Walling, 1859. Gun Factory Road 
is mentioned in advertisement State Tax Sale, 1895. 

New Road. An extension of the Willow Brook Road, by which name it is 
generally known. 

Pismire or Ant Lane. Same as New Road. In old days when the farmers 
turned out to work this highway, they discovered so many ants’ nests that it received 
the name of Pismire Lane. 

Forest Hill Road. An extension of that part of the Willow Brook Road known 
as the New Road. It is crossed by Jones or Rockland Avenue, and is called by Beers, 
1874, the Port Richmond Road. “B’d by Rockland Avenue, E. by land of Judge 
Gildersleeve, S. by land formerly of Samuel Decker and W. by Forest Hill Road; with 
house. 7 acres.” Adv. State Tax Sale, Dec. 1890. 

Manor Road and Egbert Avenue. Only a part of what is now known as the 
Manor Road, which derives its name from the Dongan Manor, is oij the map of 1797. 
It is said to have been laid out at an early period. Bayles, p. 118. This road runs 
southerly from West New Brighton through Castleton Corners to its junction with 
the road from Todt Hill, then westerly to Bradley’s Road and then southerly again to 
the Egbertville Road. Beers, 1874. That portion from Bradley’s Road to the Rich¬ 
mond Road (including the Egbertville or Saw Mill Road) is the old 1797 highway, 
and is sometimes referred to as the Manor Road. (See Richmond Plank Road from 
Vanderbilt’s Landing to Rossville.) That portion from Bradley’s Road to the 
Egbertville or Saw Mill Road, is occasionally called Rosewood Avenue (Higginson, 
i860), and also the Poor House Road. The Manor Road is shown on the map of 
Rose Hill Park (Unkart property) filed 20th of October, 1870. No. 294. Egbert 
Avenue is a direct southerly continuation of that section of the Manor Road leading 
directly from Castleton Corners, and is therefore often, in error, called the Manor 
Road. It, however, forks from the Manor where the latter turns to the west and it 
joins the Egbertville Road mentioned above, about a mile further to the east. Dripps, 
1850, calls it Egbert’s Avenue. It is Egbert Avenue of Walling, 1859, and Beers, 1874. 

Petticoat Lane. Jones’ Road or Rockland Avenue, in Northfield. It is said 
that a petticoat was once found on this road. Jones’ Road once joined that part of 
the Willow Brook Road known as the New Road, much further to the north than it 
does at present, coming out near what is now the poor house farm. 

• Saw Mill or Conner Road. Old names for the road commencing at the cor¬ 
ner of Rockland Avenue and the Manor Road, and extending to the Richmond Road, 
at Egbertville, and now sometimes called the Egbertville Road. (See Manor Road.) 
The saw mill was located on Saw Mill Brook, and was operated by the Conner family, 
whose residence stood near by. This road is shown but not named on map, 1797. 
The original town of Castleton was bounded by the “road leading to Houghwout’s 
Mill,” (Bayles, p. 326) which is evidently this and a part of the present Willow Brook 
and Manor Roads. This and the later constructed Jones’ Road (Rockland Avenue) 


61 


taken as one, is called Richmond Road, by Higginson, i860. ‘Connor Ave. is men¬ 
tioned in advertisement Sta.i Tax Sale, 1895. 

Poverty Lane. The road “from Springville to Richmond. ” Beers, 1874. New 
Springville Road. This is one of the old roads and is on the map of 1797. 

Dock Road. Reading from New Springville dock to the Stone Road. Not 
named on the maps. A branch of this road, called Morgan’s Road in this article, 
extends southward along the edge of the meadow. When Garretson’s Road was 
opened, this part was abandoned and is now a grass-grown lane. 

Egbert’s Lane. Described in 1788 as being the western boundary of the town 
of Southfield ; now Gifford’s Dane. Bayles, p. 327. 

Lambert’s Lane. Leads from the Stone Road to Watchogue and is named on 
most maps of the Island. It was called after Lambert Merrill, a carpenter by trade, 
whose housekeeper, Nancy Juson, according to the firm belief of the neighbors, was a 
veritable witch. A wagon load of hay was passing along the lane, and when opposite 
the Merrill house was beset by unaccountable difficulties and directly overturned. 
The team following passed unharmed with its load, and Nancy declared that it was 
driven by a praying man over whom she could cast no spell. On one occasion Merrill, 
while working in his shop, desired a mallet that was upstairs. Soon he heard it 
bump, bumping down the steps, and directly it shoved open the door and lay by his 
side. He did not want it then and so threw it upstairs, but directly it came bumping, 
bumping down the steps as before. Once more he threw it aloft, and when it per¬ 
sistently returned for the third time, he seized an axe and cut off its handle. The 
next day the witch had a sore leg. 

The Long, Long Lane that has no Turning. A nickname for Merrill Road, 
Watchogue, that for nearly a mile is perfectly straight. 

Old Place Road. Leads from Graniteville to Old Place. Now sometimes called 
Washington Avenue. 

Old Quarry Road. Leading from the quarry on Quarry Hill, Graniteville, to 
the shore. Shown by Dripps, 1850, and Walling, 1859. 

Sand Road. An old name for Van Pelt Avenue, Mariners’ Harbor. 

New Road. An old name for the Harbor Road, Mariners’ Harbor. 

Thompson’s Road. South Avenue, Mariners’ Harbor, was once well known as, 
and is still occasionally called Thompson’s Road. “South or Thompson Avenue” is 
shown by Walling, 1859. The name South Avenue was given it in 1847 when a map 
of the property was filed at Richmond. 

Western Road. Leading from Holland Hook to Old Place. This road has been 
known as Collyer’s Road, Bowman’s Road, the New Road and the Meadow Road. 

Duxbury St. Named after Ellis Duxbury, and an old name for Tompkins Ave¬ 
nue. “Duxbury Street or road leading from the Quarantine to the north shore.” is 
mentioned in the Abstract of the Title of Thomas E. Davis to Certain Lands in Cas- 
tleton, pp. 12, 38. 

Fountain St. Named after Garrit Fountain and now known as South Street. 
Mentioned in the Abstract of the Title of Thomas E. Davis to Certain Lands in Cas- 
tleton. Livingston Street and Thompson Street are also mentioned in the Davis ab¬ 
stract, but they were never laid out. 

Lawrence St. An old name for Stuyvesant Place and part of Richmond Ter- 


race. This street and Daniel Street, which occupied nearly the same ground as the 
present Wall Street, are mentioned in the Davis abstract, but the names were changed 
on the New Brighton Association Map, filed in 1836. 

Washington Crescent. Shown on map of the New Brighton Association, as 
occupying nearly the same site as the present crescent-shaped Hamilton Avenue. 
Madison Street, lying east of Jay Street, Nassau Street and Catlin Avenue, are also 
shown on this map. They have never been laid out. 

Richmond Street. An old name for St. Paul’s Avenue, Tompkinsville. Blood, 
1845. (See Mud Dane.) 

Gore Street. Now called Broad Street, Stapleton. Clute, p. 270. 

Coursen Avenue. An old name for Vanderbilt Avenue, Clifton. This road 
passes through what were once the Coursen and Metcalfe farms. Coursen Avenue is 
shown on “Map of Property Purchased by the Staten Island Association, Situated at 
the Narrows, Stacen Island, near New York.’’ Filed March, 1839. No. 22. 

Wood Road. Blood, 1845. Dripps, 1872. A11 old name for St. Mary’s Avenue, 

Clifton. “Wood Road’’ was also used in the sense of a locality. 

Roguery Hill Road. An old name for the Finger Board Road. Clute, p. 232. 

Clifton Avenue. A proposed name for the Finger Board Road on map of Oak- 
lands, filed Dec. 21st, 1857. No. 159. 

Beach Avenue. A proposed name for New Dorp Lane on map of Oceanville, 
filed April 19th, 1853. No. no. 

Fox Avenue. An old name for the present Broadway leading from the Amboy 
Road, between Annadale and Huguenot, to the shore. 

Woodvail Road. Leading from the Amboy Road to the shore. Beers, 1874. 
Mr. Wood owned property on one side of this road and Mr. Vail on the other, and in 
laying out the highway they combined their lands and names. 

Sharrott’s Road. Old name for Prince’s Bay Avenue (not Prince’s Bay Road). 
Beers, 1874. 

Seguine’s Road. Dripps, 1872. Same as Prince’s Bay Road. Beers, 1874. 

Winant’s Lane. Now known as Annadale Road. An old road; on map 1797. 

Swaim’s or LaForge’s Lane. Leads from Valley Forge to the Woodrow Road. 
Called Killi-fish Road on “Map of the Richmond Plank Road from Vanderbilt’s 
Landing to Rossville.’’ 

Shea’s Lane. Still so called on the maps but efforts have been made to change 
the name to New York Avenue and later to Rossville Avenue. Sometimes referred to 
on maps, &c., as “Road to Woodrow.” 

Ferry Road. An old name for Shea’s Lane. Proceedings Nat. Sci. Association, 
Vol. III., p. 53 - 

Bloomingdale Road. An old name for the road leading from Pleasant Plains to 
Rossville, now known as the Rossville Road. The part nearest Rossville is also called 
the Red Road. 

Bentley Dock Road. An old name for Bentley Road, Tottenville. Beers, 1874, 
calls it Bentling Road. 

Green Ridge Avenue. A proposed name for Journeay Avenue, Westfield. 


Sunny or Lovers* Lane. Hamilton Avenue, New Brighton. On a sunny day 
£liere are always warm places along this sheltered road that bends in the form of a 
half moon, and as it is sequestered it must needs be a “Lovers’ Lane.” 

Lovers’ Lane. Tree-shaded Pendleton Avenue ; also, First Street, New Brigh¬ 
ton. 

Mud Lane. St. Paul’s Avenue, Edgewater. Bayles, p. 420. St. Paul’s Avenue 
was once called Richmond Street. Blood, 1845. 

Pig Alley. First Street, New Brighton. Also called Lovers’ Lane. Honey¬ 
moon Row (the name needs no explanation) extends along the south side of this en¬ 
dearing little street. 

Cod-fish Lane. Fifth Street, New Brighton. 

Scrabble Alley. Union Street, West New Brighton. Also known as McSorley’s 
Place. 

Duck Ldne. Nautilus Street, Clifton. 

Red Lane. Lincoln Avenue or First Avenue, Grant City, Southfield. Probably 
owes its name to the fact that much oxide of iron is contained in the soil which gives 
the road a red color. 


LOCALITIES, SETTLEMENTS AND VILLAGES. 


The Glebe. A farm in Castleton, of 200 acres, bequeathed to St. Andrew’s 
church by Ellis Duxbury in 1718. Bayles, pp. 242, 395. This farm included the 
present St. George landing (Duxbury’s Point), the Light House Department grounds, 
the old Quarantine and the vicinity. 


Quarantine. Central Avenue, New Brighton, passes through what was once the 
Quarantine of the port of New York, established on Staten Island in 1799. Blood, 
1845. Dripps, 1850. The Lazaretto of Eddy, 1812. (See Philadelphia Turnpike.) 
The Richmond Republican , for March 29, 1828, contains the following advertisement: 
“Quarantine and Richmond Stage. The public is respectfully informed that a Stage 
will commence running to and from the Quarantine ground and Richmond, on Satur¬ 
day, the 29th of March inst., and will leave Richmond every morning at half past 6 
o’clock, so as to take the Steam Boat for New York at 8. And will leave the Quaran¬ 
tine, for Richmond, every afternoon on the arrival of the Boat from New York, until 
further notice. Good Stages and horses and a careful driver have been procured. 
Fare each way 37^ cts., intermediate distances, 6cts. per mile. 

D. Denyse, . . ,, 

J. Fountain, /Proprietors.” 

The fare was reduced in the same year to twelve and one-half cents. The “Dutch 
Reformed Church at Quarantine’ ’ is mentioned in advertisement in the Staaten Islander , 
May 7th, 1856. The steamboat landing at Tompkinsville was often called Quarantine 
Landing. The hospitals were burned by the citizens in Sept., 1858. Previous to that 
event, the State purchased fifty acres of the Wolfe property near Seguine’s Point, 
Prince’s Bay. The buildings here were set on fire and destroyed in May, 1857, shortly 
after they became State property, and the two hospitals and cook and wash house 
erected in their place were destroyed by the same means in April, 1858. The site, 
however, was still used for Quarantine purposes, and until lately persons dying on the 
Quarantine Islands of contagious diseases, were interred there. The place is still 
locally known as the Quarantine. The present Boarding Station, often called Quar¬ 
antine, is at Clifton. The Quarantine grounds at Tompkinsville, were surrounded by 


#4 

a fngh brick wall, and the locality was often known as “Inside,” that is inside of the 
wall. 

Watering Place. The present Tompkinsville (See Springs, Ponds and Swamps.) 

The Basin. At the foot of Clinton Street, Stapleton. Walling, 1859. Beers, 
1874. A well-known locality. The present docks extend much further into the bay, 
and the old Basin has in consequence lost its importance. 

Merry’s Well. Capt. Merry lived 011 Beach Street, Stapleton, a number of 
years ago, and on his grounds, near the road, there was a very fine old well from 
which the neighbors were in the habit of drawing water. It was the local tradition, 
that a young girl had been thrown into the well, and that every seven years her 
ghost walked down Barton Street (now Union Street), to the bay. 

Signal Mouse. Located at the Narrows. Bew, 1781. Also called the Look Out. 

Flag Staff. Located at the Narrows on map of 1797. Same as Signal House. 
Bayles, p. 209. Clute, pp. 20, 113. 

The Telegraph. Same as Signal House and Flag Staff. Bayles, p. 241. Smith, 
1836. Capt. Barnett’s house is mentioned in advertisement in Richmond Republican, 
Feb’y 23d, 1828, as “on the bank of the river about a half mile north of the Telegraph 
at Fort Richmond, and about 20 minutes’ walk from the Quarantine Ground.” 
The Telegraph is mentioned by Thoreau in letter of July 21st, 1843, and pictured on 
an old print of about the same date. “Clifton and Telegraph Stage” is advertised in 
Staaten Inlander during 1856 and 1857. 

Elm Tree. A large tree that stood at the foot of New Dorp Lane, from which 
the present Elm Tree Light was named. Outlie map of 1797 is the following indorse¬ 
ment : “Large Elm tree standiug by the shore, a mark for vessels leaving and goiug 
from New York to Amboy, Middletown and Brunswick.” Elm Tree, with a picture 
of a tree, is given both by Smith, 1836, and Dripps, 1850. Old Elm Tree “where the 
Huguenots landed,” is mentioned by Thoreau, letter of July 21st, 1.843. (See Clute, 
pp. 199, 368.) 

Three Elms. On South Beach, northeast of the Elm Tree Light. A locality 
among present-day fishermen. Two of the elms are now dead as a result of the en¬ 
croachment of the sea. The trees are said to have been planted many years ago by 
the elder Barnes. 

South Beach. An old name for the sandy south shore of the Island. The name 
now includes the hotels, merr) -go-rounds, etc. 

South Side or South Shore. South side of the Island. South Side is named 
as a Post Office in the N. Y. State Manual for 1872. In the Manual for 1873, Sea Side 
is mentioned in its place and is still the official name of the place. 

North Side or North Shore. North side of the Island. Letters remaining in 
the North Shore Post Office, J. J. Clute, postmaster, are advertised in the Staaten 
Islander, Jan. iotli, 1857. The North Shore post office was situated, at least for a 
time, in the brick building on the north side of Richmond Terrace, close to the pres¬ 
ent West New Brighton railroad station. West New Brighton post office is first men¬ 
tioned in the N. Y. State Manual for 1871. 

East Shore. From Brighton Point to the Narrows. 

Up Shore and Down Shore. The terms “ Up Shore ” (same as North Shore) 
and “ Down Shore ” (same as East Shore) were formerly in common use and are still 
occasionally employed by the railroad officials. Bayles, p. 3. 


West Quarter. Applied in a general way to what is now known as Rossville. 
Bayles, p. 407. 

Sandy Ground. Applied to wliat is now Rossville and its vicinity. 

Manor of Bentley. The grant of 1163 acres of land at the southwest end of the 
Island, now Tottenville, was named after Christopher Billopp’s vessel, the “Bentley,” 
in which he sailed around Staten Island in less than twenty-four hours, and thus 
secured it to the Duke of York. Bayles, p. 102. (See Bentley Post Office and Arents- 
ville.) 

The flanor. Same as Cassiltown, Castle Town, or the later corrupted Castleton. 
The Manor of Castletown was the name of Gov. Dongan’s country seat on the Island, 
and w T as called after the place of residence of the family in county Kildare, Ireland. 
The present Manor Road leads through a portion of the old Manor possessions. 
Bayles, pp. 95, 118, 261, 326. 

Dongan Cedars or Dongan Woods. Near Four Corners. Clute, p. 122. 

The Cave. A hole in the Serpentine Rock nearly opposite to the point where 
the Little Clove Road joins the Turnpike. It was dug by Housman and his negro 
servant shortly after the Revolution, in their search for gold. 

Tangle=Wood. An old name for the tangled growth of bushes, young trees and 
cat-brier, on the westerly side of Bard Avenue, where it is crossed by Castleton Avenue. 
Part of this growth still remains on the southwest corner. 

The Causeway. Constructed over Palmer’s Run and connecting Castleton and 
Northfield. The Shore Road at the Causeway formerly ran several yards further 
north, where Bodine’s lumber yard is now situated. Walling, 1859. In 1774 when the 
road from “Darby Doyle’s ferry to Elizabeth Town Point” was laid out it was .stated 
that it should go “over the Mill Dam as the Road now runs to the Dutch Church.” 

The Dike. The embankment on which the Shore Road passes over the meadow 
lying between Sailors’ Snug Harbor and Livingston. Logan’s Spring or Harbor 
Brook runs through this dike. 

Long Dike. Extending from Bowman’s Point toward the Corner Stake Light at 
the mouth of Newark Bay. 

Old Fresh Kills Bridge. Also known as Plank Road Bridge, Draw Bridge 
(Walling, 1859), Garretson’s Bridge and Long Bridge. Almost all traces of this 
bridge, which once connected portions of the Port Richmond and Fresh Kills Plank 
Roads, have now disappeared. I11 December, 1856, an advertisement appeared in the 
Staaten Islander , stating that “the bridges and the causeway over the Fresh Kills 
Creek and Meadows from the Fresh Kills to DePuy’s Corner at Springville” would be 
sold at public auction on the 20th of the month. In the issue of Dec. 31st, 1856, 
under the heading of “ That Bridge,” appears the following: “ The Pt. Richmond 
and Fresh Kills Plank Road Bridge, which was recently offered to the county for 
1 2,000, has been sold at auction to Mr. Jacob Garretson, for six hundred and one dol¬ 
lars.” Mr. Jacob C. Garretson subsequently offered (Staaten Islander, Jan. 3d, 1856) 
to place the bridge and causeways leading thereto in good condition, provided the 
towns of Northfield and Westfield would each pay $633.33. (vSee Church Road and 
Garretson’s Road.) The County has recently had a new bridge built 011 the site of 
the old one. 

The Bend. A bend in the Shore Road (Richmond Terrace) between Davis and 
Bement Avenues. 

Iron Mines. Located principally on Ocean Hill, near Ocean Terrace Road, and 


66 


on Todt Hill near Todt Hill Road. 

Four Corners Iron Mines. Just east of Jewett Avenue, near the Turnpike. 
The abandoned diggings, now filled with water, are known as the “Iron Mine Ponds.” 

Clay Beds. At various places on both sides of Fresh Kills Road at Kreisclier- 
ville and Green Ridge. There are also clay beds on the Prince’s Bay side of the 
Island. 

Old Forts. The Dutch had their block-house at the Narrows ; Washington his 
lookout, from whence came the tidings that the British fleet was near ; the British 
their earth-works, and lastly the Union its more massive forts. A part of this 
eminence was once known as “Tittle Fort Hill.” Many earth-works weie thrown up 
along the shores of the Island, where the British, in the days of the Revolution, had 
sentinels .stationed, particularly opposite New Jersey, so that they might watch the 
Americans on the other side of the Kill. Thus were there troops stationed at New 
Blazing Star Ferry on Tong Neck, at Old Blazing Star Ferry, now Rossville, and at a 
point between this last mentioned station and Bentley. British, Waldeckers and 
Anspacliers were encamped at their fortifications near the Watering Place. There 
was also an earth-work at Red Bank, on Bunker, Seguine’s or Tight House Hill, over¬ 
looking Prince’s Bay. Col. Dongan and Col. Allen, when attacked by the Americans 
near the Old Blazing Star Ferry, fell back to these latter entrenchments which it is 
said were too strong for their fatigued pursuers to press against. In the war of 1812, 
fortifications were again erected on the bluff at Prince’s Bay, and the stones were after¬ 
ward used in building the light-liouse. Modern changes of various kinds have de¬ 
stroyed many of the old earth-works, and the most noticeable now remaining, are the 
two on F'ort Hill, one on the hill back of Richmond, and one*on Pavilion Hill at 
Tompkinsville. The larger of the earth-works on P'ort Hill is situated at the end of 
Fort Street, on what is now called Knyphausen Heights, after the Hessian general 
stationed on the Island during the Revolution. The old British fort has been divided 
between two owners in modern days, but is still tree-covered and picturesque. It 
is square, with the corners pointing north, south, east and west, and the sides measur¬ 
ed along the top of the breast-work, are about eighty feet in length, though they were 
probably somewhat less when the embankment stood higher in the days of the Revo¬ 
lution. The entrance is on the north-east side, which is also the most approachable, 
and the only place where the ditch is filled in. I11 parts, the ditch is fifteen feet be¬ 
low the top of the embankment, the sides of which are still quite steep. 

The second earth-work in importance and size on Fort Hill, is in a field at the 
corner of what is now Bismarck and Second Avenues, and a portion of the embank¬ 
ment has been dug away in making the last named road. The mound is circular with 
a diameter of about seventy-five feet, and is no more to-day than a low ridge of earth 
with a corresponding shallow trench within. 

The earth-work on the most northern part of Pavilion Hill commands a view of 
all the bay, and the hill is naturally so steep, that its situation is particularly advan¬ 
tageous. It is constructed on the same plan as the one last mentioned, only in this 
case the circuit is not entire. The trench faces the water and is irregular, that por¬ 
tion completed indicating a circle of about ninety feet in diameter. It is much nearer 
the bay than the other forts mentioned, and occupies about the same position on the 
southeast to the main eartli-work on Fort Hill, as did the one to the north on the top 
of the steep terrace where the Hotel Castleton now stands. One commanded an ex¬ 
tensive view of the Kill Van Kull, and the other of the bay, while both were over¬ 
looked by the main fortification. 

Of all the earth-works, the one on Crocheron’s, Geib’s or old Fort Hill, to the 
northwest of Richmond village, occupies the most pleasing site as far as the surround- 


67 


ings are concerned. The view is largely composed of wooded hills, and on one side 
only a few houses meet the eye. Richmond Kill on the southwest and west winding 
tortuously through the meadows, several hundred feet below, probably does not show 
many more signs of advancing civilization to-day than it did when the old fort was 
occupied by the British. The earth-work is now entirely overgrown with a semi-wild 
vegetation, consisting of cedars, seedling cherries, hackberry, mulberry and some old 
apple and pear trees, that have been planted near the surrounding trench. One of 
the cedars on the top of the embankment, measures four feet four inches in circum¬ 
ference, and evidently dates from the time the British left the Island. There are also 
two Lombardy poplars on the edge of the embankment, that were planted years ago, 
and which certainly serve to make the place more conspicuous. The Huguenots 
brought numbers of them to the Island, and perhaps a LaTourette or a Journeay 
planted these trees. 

In outline the old fort is square, with the exception that the southwest side facing 
the Kill, bulges slightly. As in the earth-work on Fort Hill the corners point north, 
east, south and west, and the entrance is on the northeast side, which is the most easy 
of access. On this side also, the hill has been dug away to furnish earth for the em¬ 
bankments, though nearly all signs of the work have now been obliterated. Each 
side of this rectangular fort measures about forty-four feet along the top, and on the 
southwest the descent to the Kill is as precipitous as the nature of the soft, crumbling 
serpentine rock will permit, but from the other points the fort is more approachable. 
This old earth-work is called Look-Out Place in Beers’ Atlas, and Fort Richmond in 
the Proceedings of the Natural Science Association, Vol. III., p. 53. Fort Izard is 
said to have been one of its names, but this is given on mere report. Bayles, pp. 192, 
193, 209, 237, 247, 259. 

The Fort. The name usually applied to the United States fortifications at the 
Narrows. Blood, 1845, shows forts Richmond and Tompkins located on the State 
Land ; Walling, 1859, forts Richmond and Tompkins, and battery Hudson ; and 
Beers, 1874, forts Tompkins and Wadsworth. 

State Land. At the Narrows. Where the United States fortifications are now 
located. State Land is shown by Blood, 1845. The State Grounds are mentioned in 
the Woman’s Club Edition of the Staten Islander , May 30th, 1895. 

Burnt House. On the edge of the meadow at Great Fresh Kill and southwest of 
Lake’s Meadow Island. The ruins of the Burnt House were plainly in sight from the 
Kill, and were for many years a land mark among boatmen. “Burnt House” is shown 
by Dripps, 1850. 

Bleak House. A nickname for the Livingston residence, now the railroad station 
at Livingston. It was so called because of its exposed position. 

Common Woods. An old name for a tract of woodland near the Amboy Road 
and crossed by what is now Prince’s Bay Road. Mentioned in old deeds. 

Commons. At Chelsea. “B’d N. by land of John Simonson, E. and S. by the 
Commons and W. by Chelsea Road; with house % acre.” “B’d N. by land of Eder 
Freeland, E. by land of Charles Mersereau, S. by land of N. J. Egbert and W. by the 
Commons, 5 acres.” Adv. State Tax Sale, Dec. 1890. The open fields near the 
corner of the Mill Road and New Dorp Lane are locally known as the Commons. 
(See Sunset Hill.) 

Jones’ Wolf=pit. Abraham Jones owned a farm on what is now known as 
Jones’ Road or Rockland Avenue, and his nearest neighbor lived over on the Wil¬ 
low Brook Road. A path led northeast through the woods to this neighbor’s dw T ell- 


68 


ing, and when the families visited in the evening, they were obliged to carry fire¬ 
brands to frighten the wolves. Not far from the path, Jones dug a wolf-pit, that may 
still be seen. In order to entrap the wolves, the pit was covered with dead sticks and 
leaves, and a piece of meat suspended from an overhanging sapling. The animals 
would jump for this, and fall through the frail support into the deep hole Mr. John 
J. Corson has informed me that, when a young man, he and a companion tried to lift 
out of the pit all of the stones that had been thrown therein, but owing to the size of 
many of the boulders, they abandoned the task, and so never discovered its actual 
depth. The local history states “that in 1698 Thomas Stillwell received fifteen shill¬ 
ings for a wolf, and Cornelius Tysen received one pound for a wolf’s head. Different 
bounties were offered for animals of different sex and age, as was the custom in many 
counties of the state.” Bayles, p. 31. Many years ago, the land was cleared about the 
Wolf-pit, but it is now covered with woods again and is known on the farm as the 
“Wolf-pit Section.” There is also the “Big White-wood Section,” and the “Fox¬ 
hole Section,” this last being so named because in old time foxes w~ere in the habit of 
digging their burrows in this particular part of the wood. 

The Signs. A mysterious black dog, as large as a horse, is said to have fre¬ 
quented a place called the “Signs.” Bayles, p. 147. This locality is reported to have 
been at the present Signs Road, near Bull’s Head. 

Haunted Woods. On Old Town Road. Bayles, p. 147. There was also a 
Haunted Woods along the Amboy Road. (See Haunted Swamp.) 

Haunted Bridge. O11 road to Amboy. Bayles, p. 147. 

Haunted House. On the John J. Crooke grounds at Giffords. Named on Dripps’ 
map, 1872. • 

The Pines. A local name for a pine grove along the railroad track between 
Richmond Valley and Tottenville. 

The Cedars. There are several places known by this name on the Island. One 
is the hill top near Griswold Avenue, northeast of Silver Lake, a cleared place among 
the cedars being used as a ball ground; also the upper part of Beinent Avenue that 
once extended through cedars. A third is the Jones’ property on Prospect Avenue, 
New Brighton. Blood, 1845. Walling, 1859. Still another is at Tottenville to the 
east of Ward’s Point. 

The Old Comp. The name applied in a general way to the country lying between 
Kreischerville and the Amboy Road. 

Camps. During the last war the following camps-were located on the Island: 
Washington, Arthur, Vanderbilt, Yates, Lafayette, Leslie, McClellan, Herndon, 
Morrison, Low, Ward, Scott, Decker and Sprague. Bayles, pp. 298, 303, 304, 308. 

Stony Brook Settlement. One of the earliest on the Island, and situated near 
where the Amboy and Richmond Roads meet. Clute, p. 207. Bayles, pp. 81, 132. 
There is a Stony Brook village on Long Island. 

Dover. Shown by Beilin, 1764, as occupying the site of what has been usually 
called Stony Brook. 

Cuckold’s Town, Cucklestowne. Early name of Richmond. Bayles, pp. 132, 
143 - 

Soldier’s Lots. Situated near the Willow Brook (Kru.se) and Watchogue Roads. 
These are among the oldest roads on the Island. The Soldier’s Lots are mentioned in 
the patent to Palmer in 1687. Bayles, pp. 115, 143, Also mentioned in the Land 


69 


Papers in connection with the petition of Samuel Blackford. (See Little Plains and 
Great Plain.) 

Dutch Farms. Now called Concord. Maps of Concord were filed in County 
Clerk’s office in 1853 and 1861. 

New Lots at the Old Town. Mentioned in the survey for Abraham Lutine, 
Land Papers, 1685. At least a part of the New Lots extended along the present 
Richmond Road, adjacent to where it is joined by the Old Town Road. Some inter¬ 
esting information is contained in the following survey: ‘‘In Obedience to the 
Command of the Honnorble Coll Thomas Dongan Governor General of all his Royall 
Highnesse Territoryes in America &c. I have surveyed and laid out for Danse 
Christopliell a Certaine Tract of Land being in the New Lotts of the old Towne in the 
County of Richmond being purchased out of a Tract of Land Granted to Peeter 
Bellew as by a Dutch Ground Breeife beginning on the South west side of a small 
Run of Water in the Valley of the Iron Hill which is the North West Corner of the 
first purchase of Thomas Stilwell and runs by his line South Hast three Degrees East 
three hundred and twenty Rodd to the Meadow and is in breadth upon a Right angle 
forty six Rodd and then in Length by the line of Nathaniel Brittan North West three 
Degrees Weast, but the land of Nathaniel Brittane was laid out Northeast and South 
East but it was by a Compasse that Varied three Degrees East ward two hundred sixty 
fouer Rodd to the Highway, by the side of the Iron Hill and is in breadth upon a 
Right Angle forty six Rodd to the South west Corner of the Land of Thomas Stilwell 
the whole being bounded to the Northeast by the Land of Thomas Stilwell to the 
South East by the Meadow and South Weast by the Land of Nathaniell Brittan and 
Northwest bye the Highway by the hill side Containing in all Eighty three ackres 
three Quarters and thirty two Rodd and likewise to have Meadow Ground proportion 
able performed this 4th Day of April 1685 by Phillip Welles Surv’r. ” 

Oude Dorp or Old Town. The present Old Town Road leads from the Richmond 
Road toward the beach, where the original Oude Dorp was situated. Dankers & 
Sluyter state that this settlement consisted of seven houses in 1676. Bayles, pp. 64, 
87. Clute, p. 16. Bew, 1781. 

Nieuwe Dorp or New Town. The original New Dorp was located at the foot of 
New Dorp Lane, near the shore. Its position, as well as that of Old Town, is shown 
on the oldest maps of the Island. Bayles, p. 87. 

Governor’s Lot. “ Description of a survey of 124 acres of land lying at ye New 
Dorp, on Staten Island formerly called ye Governor’s lot, laid out for Obadiali Holmes, 
by Ro. Ryder Surveyor.” Land Papers, 1677. 

Valley Forge. O11 the Fresh Kills Road, between Rossville and Green Ridge. 
The LaForge farm lies on the westerly side of Swaim’s or LaForge’s Lane, which 
meets the P'resh Kills Road in a pleasant little valley through which flows Killifish 
Brook to the meadows. The last part of the name LaBorge and the valley suggested 
the historic name of Valley Forge, which thus came to be applied to a vale on Staten 
Island. 

Fresh Kills. The present Green Ridge. 

Marshland or Marshfield. Same as Fresh Kills or Green Ridge. Marshland 
Post Office is mentioned in the N. Y. State Manual for 1874 ; in 1876 Green Ridge had 
taken its place. 

Kleine Kill. An old name for Marshland or Green Ridge, meaning the Little 
River. Proceedings Nat. Sci. Association, Vol. III., p. 53. 


Blazing Star. The old name for Rossville. Clute, pp. 233, 456. Bayles, p. 264. 
(See West Quarter and Sandy Ground.) The following is from the Mirror , Aug. 20th, 
1837: “Rossville. Now did you ever ! This is the new name of Old Blazing Star, 
and the alteration of its cognomen speaks well for the taste of its inhabitants.” 
Several residents of the quiet village of Rossville have dreamt that treasure lay buried 
in certain fields and on the low hills about Ross’ Cove. Under cover of the night, 
when their ridiculing neighbors could not see what they were about, they dug many 
holes, but only one man is reported to have found treasure, and that was discovered 
by accident. He was plowing in a field, when he unearthed an iron pot covered with 
a flat stone. He pocketed its contents, left his horse standing in the field, and took 
himself off to parts unknown. Another man dug over his cellar pursuant to the 
instructions received in a misleading dream, and two others dug a hole on a certain 
hill side, but seeing the devil skipping about in the dark, they ran for home, leaving 
their spades in the pit. 

New Blazing Star. The present Linoleumville. Bayles, p. 185, Clute, p. 233. 
Map, 1797. (See Philadelphia Turnpike.) 

Long Neck Village. Walling, 1859. Now Linoleumville and Travisville. Long 
Neck Post Office is named in the N. Y. State Manual for many years, but was discon¬ 
tinued in 1866. The devil often made his appearance on Long Neck during the early 
part of the century, but of late the people have become so much interested in the 
numerous books and newspapers that have fallen into their hands, that they have 
failed to note if he has been around. In old time, he was often seen skipping and 
running in the fine broad meadows in the neighborhood of Neck Creek, and would 
jump fences with the young and active farmers. Once and awhile, when the bars 
were exceptionally high, he would crawl under and thus try to deceive his honest 
playfellows. On one occasion two Staten Islanders were visiting over night in 
Rahway, N. J., and after the lamp was out, the bed began to toss like a little boat in 
a great sea. First one side would go up and then the other, and the men with 
difficulty prevented themselves from rolling onto the floor. The braver of the two 
whispered to his companion not to be afraid, that it was only the devil under the bed 
and he would soon get tired. This proved to be the case, for in a short time he quit 
his pranks and left these temperate and sober men to their peaceful slumbers. 

Karle’s or Charles’ Neck Settlement. The present New Springville. Bayles, 
p. 579. Smith, 1836. An old woman, who lived on Karle’s Neck, told her neighbors 
that she had sold herself to the devil and that they must not be surprised if they 
heard strange noises in her house. The next day she was not seen at the door, and 
the blinds remained closed, so the neighbors thought that it was excusable for them 
to break in and see what had been the result of the weird sounds, that had issued from 
the old dwelling. The door was accordingly battered down. The house was found 
to be in the greatest disorder; furniture overturned, the ashes from the hearth scattered 
about and in the midst the old woman lying dead on the floor, with her hair tied to 
the andirons. The neighbors reasoned that as she had sold herself to the devil, he 
had come in the night and taken her away. Another witch also lived in the vicinity, 
and when the people saw her approaching, they used to place a broomstick across the 
door and sprinkle mustard, thus preventing her from practicing her diabolical art. 

Holland Hook Village. Corrupted into Hollin’s or Howland’s Hook. On the 
shore, west of Mariners’ Harbor. Dripps, 1850. Walling, 1859. Clute, pp. 181, 233. 
“ Hollandshook” is mentioned in advertisement in the Richmond Republican , June 18, 
1829, and the Mirror , Sepc. 8, 1838. An article on “Holland Hook,” copied from 
Harper's Weekly , appeared in the Staten Islander in 1890. 


Jacksonville. According to Clute, p. 1S1, this was a nairie for Holland Hook. 
The following two notices occur in the Richmond Republican , March 28th, 1829: ‘Tor 
Sale. That valuable brick house and Tot containing about one acre of Ground, at 
Jacksonville, on the north shore of Staten Island, fronting Newark Bay, and about 
half a mile from Mersereau’s Ferry. The house is 34 ft by 19, formerly belonging to 
Capt. Neale. For further particulars apply to Jeremiah Pierson on the premises.” 
“Auction. Will be exposed to sale on Saturday the 17th day of April next at Public 
Vendue, the house of Jeremiah Pierson, Jacksonville, two horses, two cows, a variety 
of carpenter’s tools and kitchen furniture. Sale to commence at 10 o’clock, a. m.” 

Old Place. Situated in Nortlifield, on what was once called Tunissen’s Neck, 
between Tunissen’s or Old Place Creek and Bridge Creek. The name arose in this way: 
Religious services were once held in a house along the road, but the structure becom¬ 
ing dilapidated a new place was selected, which, however proved to be less convenient, 
so the earlier building was repaired and services were resumed at the “ old place. ” 
Old Place, or more properly that portion of it now known as Summerville, was once 
called Skunk Town. Fortune Crocheron, who had been a slave, made a business of 
catching skunks and extracting the grease, which was sold as a cure for croup. After 
his death, the place gradually lost this name. 

Summerville. A proposed name for Old Place. Clute, p. 234. Summerville is 
located in Beers’ Atlas, at the corner of Washington Avenue and the Harbor Road. 
Old Place is also shown further to the west. 

Watchogue. Situated a mile south of Old Place. Owing to the similarity of 
the name Watchogue to the Long Island town of Patchogue it has been thought that 
like the latter, it was of Indian origin. This, however, is a mistake, and the original 
name, which was Watch Oak, was acquired in the following way: The hamlet was 
first called Merrill Town, owing to the number of families of that name living in the 
vicinity. Among them was Ike Merrill, who owned a large farm, a portion of which 
was covered with oak timber. A man by the name of Brunsen was a neighbor of 
Merrill’s. He was a smart man and is said to have been most clever in defending 
himself in court, in which, for one reason and another, he had considerable practice. 
Among other accomplishments, he could write with both hands at once, and, when he 
thought no one was looking, he could steal Ike Merrill’s oak trees as well. This was 
known to Merrill, and when a neighbor called one day and asked for a certain farm 
hand, Merrill told him he was out “watching oaks.” The Merrill farm was called in 
time “Watch Oak Farm”—the place where they watched the oaks. This has been 
corrupted into Watchogue, and this, unfortunately, changed to Bloomfield. Accord¬ 
ing to Beers, 1874, the “Watch Oak Road” leads from Chelsea to Bloomfield. Clute 
(p. 228) maintains that this name is of Indian origin. 

Butcherville. On the Watchogue, Butclierville, or Snake Road, between the 
Willow Brook and the Stone Roads. Butcherville Road is mentioned in Adv. State 
Tax Sale, Dec., 1890. 

Granite Village. Diipps, 1850. Higginson, i860. Graniteville. Walling, 1859. 

Centerville. Old name for Castleton Corners. Dripps, 1850. Walling, 1859. 
Higginson, i860. 

Four Corners. Same as Castleton Corners. Castleton Corners Post Office is first 
mentioned in the N. Y. State Manual for 1872. 

Robbins’ Corners. At New Springville, where the Stone Road meets Poverty 
Lane. The residence of Nathaniel Robbins, a notorious character during the War of 
the Revolution. Clute, p. 114. 


Morgan's Corner. At the present Egbertville. The following is from the 
Mirror of August 4th, 1838 : “ Valuable Real Estate. To be sold at public vendue on 
Tuesday the 18th day of September next at 2 o’clock in the afternoon, at the Court 
House in the village of Richmond, Couuty of Richmond. All that certain lot, piece 
or parcel of land; situate lying and being in the town of Southfield on the Richmond 
and Quarantine road, known as Morgan’s Corner; bounded on said road, easterly by 
land of Anthony Fountain, and on the South and West by land of Tunis Egbert. 
Containing within said bounds four acres be the same more or less; which above de¬ 
scribed premises are mortgaged by William Morgan, late of the town of Southfield, 
deceased, to the commissioners of loans for Richmond County, for securing the sum 
of sixty two dollars and fifty cents, and interest thereon arising. Conditions will be 
made known at the time of sale by 

Rich’d Crocheron, \ Comm’rs of 
Wirriam Mirrer, j Loans. 

Richmond County, May 29th, 1838.” 


Phoenixville. A name for Bull’s Head. Beers, 1874. Clute, p. 231. 

London Bridge. A name for Bull’s Head during the Revolution. Clnte, p. 231. 
Also mentioned in notice of Sheriff’s Sale in Staalen Islander , Jan. 25, 1854. 


Mersereau’s Ferry. “Tort Richmond (late Mersereau’s Ferry)” is mentioned 
in Mirror , Aug. 4th, 1838. 

Bristol or New Bristol. Old name for Port Richmond. Clute, p. 221. In the 
Mirror , March 17th, 1838, there is an article on the improvements at “Mersereau’s 
Ferry or New Bristol.” New Bristol is shown by Burr, 1852. Cyrene is said to have 
been a proposed name for Port Richmond. 


Irrington. Map of land at Irrington or Mersereau’s Ferry, Staten Island, Filed 
Aug. 6, 1842. No. 28. 


Cityville. This is given by Clute, p. 221, as an old name for Port Richmond. 
The Cityville post office was, however, located at Factor}wille (West New Brighton) 
as appears by the following heads of notices published by the same postmaster: “List 
of Letters remaining in the City Ville Post Office, June 30th, 1835.” D. V. N. 
Mersereau, P. M. Free Press , July nth, 1835. “List of Letters remaining in the 
Post Office at Factoryville, Sept. 30th, 1835.” D. V. N. Mersereau, P. M. Free Press, 
Oct. 10th, 1835. On the 1st of January, 1839, Nathan Barrett, postmaster, published 
in the Mirror , a list of letters remaining in the Cityville Post Office. (See North 
Shore.) City ville is shown by Burr, 1852. 

Factoryville. West New Brighton. Map of the Village of P'actoryville, owned 
and laid out by N. Barrett. Town of Castleton, S. I. P'iled Aug. 20th, 1836, P'ac¬ 
toryville or Castleton is given by Dripp, 1850. The steamboat landing at Factoryville 
was called Castleton Landing. Walling, 1859. Higginson, 1S60. Bayles, p. 264. 

Elliottville. Foot of Bard Avenue; the present Livingston. Dripps, 1850. Dripps, 
1872. Named after Dr. S. M. Elliott, oculist. On Walling’s map of 1859 there is a 
bird’s eye view of Elliottville. 

South Elliottville. On Bard Avenue, south of Castleton Avenue. Walling, 1859. 


Brighton Park. Placed between Franklin and York Avenues by Higginson, 
i860. This property is commonly spoken of as Plamilton Park. Beers, 1874. 

Jackson Park. Corner of Franklin Avenue and Third Street, New Brighton. 


Fiedler’s Park. On the Turnpike, near Pavilion Hill. Dripps, 1872. 


Bay City. Mentioned in Staaten Islander, March 4th, 1857. Map of the pro¬ 
posed village of Bay City, including Tompkinsville and Stapleton, was filed 15th, Feb¬ 
ruary, 1859. No. 164. 

Washington Square. The park at Stapleton. Map filed June 5th, 1867. No. 

226. 

Prospect Square. At Stone Street and the Richmond Road, Middletown. Map 
filed May 4th, 1852. No. 96. 

Bay View Post Office. At Clifton. Named in the N. Y. State Manuals from 
1858 to 1863 inclusive, after which it was discontinued. Joseph Feeny w 7 as postmaster 
in 1858 and James Kelly for the succeeding five years. 

New=Berry Ville. Near Concord and traversed by the track of the Staten Island 
Railroad. Map of Nesv-Berry Ville filed June 3d, .853 (No. 113), showing Military 
Parade Ground and Columbian Park as. portions of the property. Staaten Islander, 
Jan. 26th, 1856. 

Clifton Park or Pagoda. At the head of Simonson Avenue, Clifton. Shown 
on map of New-Berry Ville, filed June 3d, 1853. The park is shown by Walling, 1859. 
“ Simpson Gordon, Florist, &c., Vanderbilt Ave. near the Pagoda * * * ” adver¬ 
tises in the Staaten Islander, Feb’y 28th, 1855. 

Oaklands. At New York Avenue, Tompkins Avenue and the Finger Board Road. 
“ Clifton Avenue or Finger Board Road” is shown 011 the map filed Dec. 21st, 1857. 
No. 159. 

Linden Park. Between the Old Town Road and Garretsons. The old Burgher 
farm. Map filed 4th of June, 1870. No. 284. Dripps, 1872. 

Grand View Park on Castleton Heights. Along the Todt Hill Road, Middle- 
town. On map filed Dec. 22nd, 1869, No. 268, the Todt Hill Road is called Grand 
View Avenue, and Hillside, Crown Point, Park Place and Annfield Place are given as 
names for sections of the property. (See Castleton Heights.) 

Ocean View. On the Richmond Road near Grant City. The Samuel Barton 
farm. Map filed 5th of June, 1873, No. 332. An Ocean View of later date, is at 
Giffords. 

Richmond Park. On the Richmond Road between Egbertville and Richmond. 
Dripps, 1872. 

Sea View Park. The Sea View Park Association owned the one half mile race 
course near the present New Dorp railroad station. Beers, 1874. There was also 
another race course at the foot of New Dorp Lane. 

Ocean ville. At New Dorp Lane. Map filed April 19th, 1853, No. no. 

Oceana. At New Dorp Lane, near the shore. Dripps, 1850. Higginson, i860. 

Cedar Grove. Near Oceana, at the foot of New Dorp Lane. Dripps, 1850. 
Higginson, i860. Dripps, 1872. 

Court House. Old name for the railroad station at Oakwood. 

Newton. The present Giffords. Dripps, 1850. Higginson, i860. 

Clarendon. Near the shore at Great Kill. Shown as a locality by Higginson, 
i860. Dripps, 1850, gives Clarendon as the residence of E. R. Bennet; the White 
House, as the residence of W. H. Vanderbilt; Huguenot Farm, as the residence of Dr. 
E. Clark; Mooreland, as the residence of T. W. C. Moore; Wheat Sheaf Farm, as the 


74 


residence of W. A. Seely; Hay Hill, as tlie residence of C. E. Leveridge; and Oakland, 
as the residence of the landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. All of these 
farms were on the South Side, from New Dorp Lane to the present Eltingville. 

Lemon Creek Post Office. Mentioned in the N. Y. State Manual for 1859. I11 

1S61 Prince’s Bay Post Office had taken its place. 

Hawthorne Place. Near the shore at Red Bank and west of the Prince’s Bay 
light house. Shown as a locality by Dripps, 1850. 

Algernon. “Map of the Staten Island North and South Shore Railroad.” Filed 
Jan. 9, 1883, No. 394. The terminal station of this proposed railroad, at the shore 
near Eltingville. 

Uncle Nick Lot. “Subdivisions of the Uncle Nick Lot, Annadale, S. I. Property 
of Mrs. Anna S. Seguine.” Filed May 20th, 1871, No. 303. 

Bloomingview. The present Huguenot. Colton, 1846. Dripps, 1850. Walling, 
1:859. Bayles, p. 436. It is possible that what is sometimes called the Bloomingdale 
Road (now Rossville Road) should be Bloomingview Road, but the first mentioned 
name is the one said to have been in use. 

Unionville. Between Tottenville and the Billopp House. Dripps, 1850. Higgin- 
son, i860. 

Bentley. A name for the post office, at what is now called Tottenville. The 
N. Y. State Manual mentions Bentley Post Office in 1861; in 1862, Tottenville is named 
in its place. Bentley is mentioned in the Staaten Islander , Jan. 23 and April 23, 1856, 
and the place should never have received any other name. (See Manor of Bentley.) 

Arentsville. A proposed name for Tottenville. The “Arentsville Times” is 
said to have been published for a short time. 

Biddle Grove. At Tottenville. Map of the Biddle Grove Property. P'iled June 
30th, 1870. Beers, 1874. 

Charlestown. A name for Kreisclierville. 

Androvetteville. A name for Kreisclierville. The place should have been 
permanently so called as it is the residence of many members of the old Staten Island 
Huguenot family of Androvette. “Androvettetown is beautifully located near the 
margin of the river. It contains a mine of wealth both as regards purity of clay and 
pretty ladies. ” tStaaten Inlander, March 8th, 1856. 

Allen or Van Allen Town. The southern part of Kreisclierville on Van Allen 
Hill. Named after the Van Allen family. Unfortunately an effort is being made to 
change the name of that part of the Fresh Kills Road which extends from Van Allen 
Town to Tottenville, to River Side Avenue. 

Bogardus Corners. At Woodrow, where the Woodrow Road and the Rossville 
Road meet. Named after C. Bogardus. 

Pomona Grove. At Grove Avenue, Port Richmond. Map filed Nov. 19th, 1869. 
Adv. State Tax Sale, Dec. 1890. 

Lowville. At Cedar Street and Granite Street, Elm Park, Nortlifield. Named 
after Daniel Low. Map filed June 28th, 1849, No. 63. 

The Park. A local name including the dwellings facing Port Richmond Park. 

Tuxedo. A nickname for a part of New Brighton; the end of Brighton Avenue, 
&c. A part of the Duck Pond district. 


75 


Ragpicker’s Row. Several small houses on Minthorne Street, Tompkinsville, 
received this nickname many years ago. The corner one was occupied by Iliomas 
Clark and in consequence of its position was known as Clark’s Point. This point is 
mentioned in the Staaten Inlander , June 14th, 1856. 

The Nook. Angle formed by the meeting of Quin and Harrison Streets, Stapleton. 

Battle Row. A nickname for McKeon Street, Stapleton. Said to be so called 
from the belligerent character of its residents. 

The Lawn. A local name for the large field at the corner of Vanderbilt Avenue 
and Bay Street, Stapleton. Sometimes called Vanderbilt’s Lawn, after its owner. 

Carroll Town. Five or six small dwellings in a wooded hollow on Tompkins 
Avenue, and the present railroad track between Fort Wadsworth and Arrochar 
stations. Named after “Mattie” Carroll, a carter. 

The Goose Patch. The open field between Westervelt Avenue and Jersey Street, 
New Brighton, now traversed by Crescent Street. 

Silent Village. For a number of years there, were only a few small houses at 
the top of Davis Avenue, West New Brighton, and the settlement received the name 
of the Silent Village. 

The Coftages. Some years ago, a number of small dwellings were built near the 
corner of Lafayette Avenue and the present Second Street, New Brighton, and the 
vicinity became known as “The Cottages.” Later the neighborhood grew more 
wealthy, better dwellings were erected, including the Village Hall, and the district in 
consequence changed its name to “The Capitol.” “New Brighton Cottages” are 
located on Blood’s map, 1845. 

The Orchard. A district of West New Brighton traversed by Barker Street. It 
was probably the site of Gov. Dongan’s orchard. The hill side (See Cork Hill) 
occupied by Gov. Tompkins’ orchard, was known by the same name. 

Wapp’s Park. A pla3 r ground bounded in part by Prospect, Bernent and Burger 
Avenues, West New Brighton, and nicknamed by the bo)^s of the vicinity. A 
renowned individual, whom the boys called Wapps, celebrated for her hard drinking 
and swearing, resided in the immediate vicinity and was a feature of the amusement 
afforded by the park. Wapps when tipsy would be seized with a church going desire 
and try to enter her neighbors’ houses, believing that confession and kindred rites 
could be had within. 

Yellow Row. A number of squalid yellow painted houses, on the west side of 
Broadwa} , near the Dye Works, West New Brighton, were once known as the Yellow 
Row. 

Cork Town. A portion of West New Brighton village. 

The Village. A local name for a part of West New Brighton. 

Decker Town. A nickname for Travisville, because so many people by the name 
of Decker reside in the place. Many years ago two bachelor brothers by the name of 
Decker lived in Decker Town, each of them having a small pile of money in the cup¬ 
board. One wrongly accused the other of meddling with his possessions, which he 
said had suddenly grown much smaller. This unsettled the mind of the innocent 
brother, who ended his life with a razor, and the survivor, finding that he was miserable 
without him, hung himself to one of the rafters of his dwelling. 

Jumping=off Place. A nickname for the end of the Shore Road at the bluff, at 
Holland Hook. 


76 


Merrill Town. An old name for Bloomfield. (Watchogue.) 

Peanutville. A nickname for Chelsea. So called because its inhabitants in the 
long boat journey from New York to Chelsea landing, show their good sense by lay¬ 
ing in a store of peanuts, wherewith to beguile the time. 

New Paris or French Town. Nickname given to Grant City because so many 
French families reside there. This place has been misnamed Grand City on the rail¬ 
road time tables for the past few years. There was a sign near the railroad track 
several years ago, that read “Grand City.” In Beer’s Atlas, Grant City is also called 
Ocean View. This is, however, an error, Ocean View being the name of adjacent 
property. 

Seaman Town, A nickname for a row of houses in Richmond Village. Staaten 
Islander , Jan. 28, 1854. 

Paradise or the Garden of Eden. Where Tompkins Avenue grosses Richmond 
Avenue, Clifton. 

Morganville. A hamlet on Egbert Avenue, Middletown. Named after the 
Morgan family. 

Tipperary Corners, New Dublin or Young Ireland. Nicknames for Egbert- 
ville. 

Africa or Little Africa, Sandy Ground, Marrisville. Africa is a nickname for 
a negro settlement, near the Rossville Road, Westfield. Harrisville is the official 
name of the place. “At Harrisville, W. of Rossville road, b’d N. by lands of P. A. 
Ash, E. by lands of R. H. or Robert Dixon, S. by lands of Thomas Jefferson or Eeven 
Purnell and W. by lands of Aaron Close.” Adv. State Tax Sale, Dec., 1890. 

Fiddler’s Green. A nickname of a small district on Journeay Avenue, not far 
from Green Ridge. It was the residence of Reynolds, the fiddler. 

The Plains. A local name for Pleasant Plains, Westfield. 

Eel Town. A nickname for a portion of Pleasant Plains. “Eel Towners” are 
spoken of in the Staaten Islander , Dec. 31st, 1856. A few years ago an old time 
entertainment took place at Pleasant Plains, and the managers thought that to be 
consistent, they would say that it was to be held at “Ye Eel Towne,” but the 
inhabitants were so indignant that the posters and hand bills had to be reprinted, 
leaving “Ye Eel Towne” out. 

Skunk’s Misery. Located along Sandy Brook, between Pleasant Plains and 
Prince’s Bay. In the Staaten Islander , Dec. 12th, 1857, is the following item, under 
the head of “More Shooting”: “A sad accident occured on Tuesday near a small place 
called ‘Skunk’s Misery,’ in this county, from negligence in firing at a target, with 
only a fence of hemlock boards to prevent the further progress of the balls.” There 
are at least two other skunk’s miseries on the Island. One is located at the foot of 
Red Lane, at Grant City, in the neighborhood of Egypt, and the other is near the 
Harbor Road, at Mariners’ Harbor. All of these “miseries” are low wet places. 
























































































































































































































































4 








































































































































































































































CONTENTS. 


Introduction, 


rART I. 


Names for Staten Island and Surrounding Waters, . 

Points and Coves,. 

Kills, Creeks and Brooks,... 

Necks,. 

Islands and Meadow-Islands,. 

Reefs, Rocks, Shoals, &c.,. 

Hills,. 

Valleys and Hollows,.. 

Strings, Ponds and Swamps,. 

Meadows, Fields and Plains, . 

PART II. 

Ferries and Landings,. 

Roads and Lanes,. 


PAGE 

20 


26 

26 

29 

35 

3 6 

37 
40 

45 

46 
52 


54 

57 


Localities, Settlements and Villages, 


63 







































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